Wookieepedia:Featured article queue/July 9, 2009

The 181st Imperial Fighter Group was a three-squadron TIE group known as one of the Galactic Empire's most elite units and distinguished by the red bloodstripes that marked the wings of its TIE interceptors. Initially the 181st Imperial Fighter Wing, it suffered from an abysmal reputation. Commanded by Colonel Evir Derricote, the 181st had lax discipline and low morale. It enjoyed a significant improvement with the arrival of Captain Soontir Fel in 0 BBY. Fel took command of the second squadron of the wing and quickly whipped it into shape with intense discipline and drilling.

When called to fight in the Second Battle of Ord Biniir, Fel's squadron significantly outperformed its Rebel opposition. It so happened that the battle occurred on the same day as the Imperial loss at the Battle of Yavin, and the success at Ord Biniir was propagandized heavily. Fel was promoted and the unit was downsized to a flight group of three squadrons and completely reformed with an elite roster. While Derricote remained in command, Fel was the true force behind the unit's success as it became one of the Empire's premier flight groups.

Fel took formal command in 3 ABY, when he was promoted to colonel and given the title of Baron of the Empire. Fel led the 181st for another two years before he was captured by the New Republic during the 181st's defeat at the Battle of Brentaal IV. Turr Phennir became the unit's commander, and led it through the turbulent times of the Empire's fall, becoming a general in the Imperial Remnant and finding the 181st a place there.