Sanctuary III

The Sanctuary III was a modified Pelta-class frigate in the service of the Galactic Republic. Its role as an armed and armored hospital ship was instrumental in the effort to curb losses during the Clone Wars. Just before the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula in 21 BBY, Sanctuary III was one of several in a convoy of Pelta-class frigates sent from the planet Naboo to assist in the transportation of wounded clones from the Kaliida Shoals Medical Center before the Republic medical space station could be destroyed by the approaching Confederate Navy heavy cruiser, Malevolence.

Description
The Galactic Republic's Sanctuary III was a red, white, and yellow colored Pelta-class frigate marked with red stripes on its upper-starboard and lower-port auxiliary wings to uniquely identify it, unlike the more commonly symmetrical striped wings of other Pelta-class frigates.

Though not able to inflict a great amount of damage, the Sanctuary III turbolaser batteries were capable of delivering more firepower than a ship comparable in size. Although maneuverability with its sublight drive was poor&mdash;despite its variable wing auxiliary engines&mdash;the hospital ship was equipped to evade its enemies' attacks with a deflector shield generator rated higher than others of its class and a hyperdrive that propelled it through hyperspace. In addition, maintenance droids and fire control systems helped effect repairs to battle damage in a timely fashion, thus keeping the medical frigate operational and its patients alive.

History
During the Clone Wars, protection as well as medical attention was required for the wounded as they healed. The Sanctuary III was well-suited to the task as it was not only well armored, but could also withstand a sudden ambush.

In 21 BBY, the Sanctuary III participated in a convoy of at least four Pelta-class frigates sent from the planet Naboo to evacuate the stabilized wounded clone patients from the Kaliida Shoals Medical Center&mdash;a Galactic Republic medical space station&mdash;before the Malevolence arrived to destroy the station.

Behind the scenes
Before its appearance in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television episode, "Shadow of Malevolence," which aired October 10, 2008, on Cartoon Network, Sanctuary III was previewed as a miniature in the Clone Wars Tactics expansion of the Star Wars PocketModel TCG, released on November 12, 2008.