Wookieepedia:Featured article queue/June 23, 2010

Merrick Simms was a Human male starfighter pilot in the Alliance Starfighter Corps who commanded Blue Squadron at the battles of Yavin and Endor. Simms joined the Alliance to Restore the Republic early in the Galactic Civil War and, following a victory near Dantooine in 1 BBY, was quickly promoted to captain. The following year he was stationed at Anchorhead Base on Tatooine and fought against Imperial forces who attacked the base in 0 BBY, though he was unable to prevent its destruction.

After fleeing to Yavin Base on the fourth moon of Yavin, Simms led Blue Squadron in the Battle of Yavin against the Empire's Death Star battlestation. Four years later, he once again took command of Blue Squadron in the Battle of Endor, fighting against the second Death Star. During the battle, Simms joined General Lando Calrissian, Wedge Antilles and "Green Wing" in an assault on the Empire's main communications ship. Though the group eliminated the vessel, Simms' B-wing starfighter was caught in the resulting shock wave and he was killed when he collided with another Imperial starship.