Gial Ackbar/Legends

"Be smart! Be victorious!"

- Admiral Ackbar

Admiral Ackbar was a Mon Calamari, and perhaps the foremost military commander in the service of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic. He held the distinction of having been the Supreme Commander of the New Republic Defense Force for nearly two decades and defeating two Imperial Grand Admirals, Osvald Teshik and Peccati Syn. He wrote the manual for the New Republic Fleet Academy, titled Fleet Combat and Methodology.

Early life
Born on the water world of Dac, Ackbar as a young man was interested in science and the sea. He eventually entered the Mon Calamari navy, where he served with distinction. Ackbar was also Coral Citys representative on Calamarian Council. While a member of the council, Ackbar sponsored numerous extrastellar expeditions.

Resistance leader and slave
When the Galactic Empire first invaded Mon Calamari, Ackbar quickly became a leader of the resistance movement. Unfortunately, Ackbar was, for a time, enslaved to Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, where it appeared that he learned much about the art and skill of command. As a result of his enslavement, Ackbar was not able to see his plans come into being. Mon Calamari and Quarren united against the invaders, repelling them and pushing them off planet. His people won their freedom.

Rebel leader
Rebel forces eventually rescued Ackbar, due to his importance to the Mon Calamari. Following his rescue, Ackbar led the Rebel Alliance to their first victory during the Battle of Turkana. Given the rank of Commander in the Alliance Navy (though retaining his rank as Admiral in the Mon Calamari Navy during the Battle of Turkana), he swiftly rose through the ranks, finally achieving the rank of Admiral after his role in the Shantipole Project, which was a secret project to develop the Verpine designed B-wing starfighter. Shortly before the complete evacuation of the Yavin IV base, Ackbar and the crew aboard his modified bulk freighter suffered an Imperial attack and crash-landed on a muddy planet called Daluuj. Ackbar and his crew were soon rescued by Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker, Rebellion collaborators he would go on to form lasting working relationships with. Mon Mothma, noticing the skills of Ackbar, named him Supreme Commander of the Rebel Fleet and head of all Rebellion military operations. Ackbar became known as the "Father of the Alliance Navy", as he organized and trained the ragtag group of ships and crews into a fighting force capable of facing the Empire. In terms of tactics, he was most well known for his audacious, close-range assaults first seen at the Battle of Endor.

Supreme Commander
Following the Rebel victory at Endor and the subsequent declaration of the New Republic, Ackbar fought numerous campaigns against the Galactic Empire and numerous splinter warlord groups, and developed cunning military tactics such as the "Ackbar Slash" and "Thrawn Pincer". Given a seat on the Inner Council, Ackbar was named Supreme Commander of the New Republic Defense Force, making him the highest officer in the Republic's military. His successes in the Mid and Inner Rims paved the way for the eventual liberation of the Core Worlds, which Ackbar personally commanded. At Kashyyyk he outfought Grand Admiral Peccati Syn, vaporizing his flagship and defeating his fleet. Ackbar commanded the fleet that liberated Coruscant from the Galactic Empire. He weathered the political manipulations of Borsk Fey'lya and an attempt at framing him for treason masterminded by Grand Admiral Thrawn. As the New Republic grew stronger, Ackbar took a less active role in the day to day fighting against the remnants of the Empire, though he continued to personally lead major campaigns and assaults.

Retirement
Ackbar retired four years after peace was signed with the Remnant, when his old rival Fey'lya was elected Chief of State. However, senior members of the Defense Force (including Dif Scaur, Etahn A'baht, Traest Kre'fey, and Sien Sovv, Ackbar's replacement) managed to ensure that Ackbar received a number of important analyses. This would prove useful during the coming war with the Yuuzhan Vong.

ACKBAR IS BACK
When the Yuuzhan Vong War came, Ackbar was in very poor health. As he explained, there was nothing specifically wrong with him, just age and the strain he had put on himself during the Galactic Civil War. But he was still fully cognizant. When the New Republic relocated to Dac, he pulled himself out of retirement, to plan a trap against those forces in the Deep Core. That plan, which culminated in the Battle of Ebaq 9, was highly successful. In addition to being a legitimate strategic and tactical victory, it was crucial in restoring morale after the losses suffered in the invasion. When news of Ackbar's return was broadcast to the entire Defense Force with the simple message 'ACKBAR IS BACK', the elation that many members of the military felt was so great that actual celebrations broke out on various New Republic fleet units. Still, his age and condition were still factors he had to deal with. Despite being offered by then current Supreme Commander Sien Sovv to retake control of the military, Ackbar declined, choosing to take on a consultive role.

Death and legacy
Near the very end of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, shortly before the final climatic Liberation of Coruscant, Ackbar passed on. His death caused great grief to the Mon Calamari, the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, and the Galaxy at large. A grand memorial service was held on both the newly reclaimed Coruscant and his watery homeworld, attended by countless Mon Calamari and numerous dignitaries from across the Galactic Alliance. He was hailed as a great military commanders, a sentiment which his close friends and colleagues like Wedge Antilles or Leia Organa Solo would fully agree with.

After Endor
Ackbar shaped the military strategy of the fledgling New Republic, begining within days of the victory at Endor. Some early operations, like the liberation of Clak'dor VII, were conducted in the Outer Rim. For the first few months following the battle, Ackbar rebuilt and expanded his fleet, preparing it for the eventual liberation of the galaxy from the Empire. Consolidating is holdings, the New Republic expanded through diplomacy, buying time as new warships like the MC80B Star Cruiser came off the lines at Mon Calamari and found their way into the fleet. These new Star Cruisers, coupled with several captured and repaired Star Destroyers, gave his fleet some added muscle. Once the fleet was ready, Ackbar began the long trek Coreward.

Early Core incursions
Early gains were made in the Core before the main invasion began, including the liberation of Ralltiir, the capture of Brentaal, and Recopia joining the New Republic. Still, the majority of the Core would be in Imperial hands until the main fleets of the New Republic had a secure line of supply. This would be rectified by launching a massive campaign to liberate the Mid and Inner Rims.

Mid and Inner Rim campaign
Ackbar invaded the Mid and Inner Rims in force, securing numerous worlds for use as bases for the eventual liberation of the Core. His major victory over Grand Admiral Syn at Kashyyyk opened up a major line of travel and communication, paving the way for numerous other sucesses in the Mid Rim. After securing the Mid Rim, a brutal campaign began in the Inner Rim. Ackbar's fleets were involved, supporting ground campaigns on worlds like Mindor, led by General Luke Skywalker. Despite the growing stresses placed on Ackbar as the Supreme Commander of the New Republic military, he continued to lead major engagements personally. Such was his devotion to the service and the beings who served with him.

Liberation of Coruscant
As the New Republic fleet began to gain a foothold in the Colonies region, the main objective of the New Republic finally seemed within reach. After securing Borleias, the New Republic had a major base of operations for an attack on Coruscant itself, the capital of the Galactic Empire, and the Old Republic before it. Bringing in the bulk of his fleet, Ackbar brushed aside the Imperial forces defending the capital world. His forces were able to secure the planet thanks to covert missions provided by Rogue Squadron. The New Republic was finally in possession of the galactic capital.

Conquest of the Core
This major symbolic and military victory did not bring Ackbar's offensive to an end. During much of the third and fourth year after Endor, Ackbar's forces liberated other key Core worlds, including Chandrila, Esseles, and other key worlds. Other key Core worlds, like Commenor and Balmorra, declared their neutrality, before eventually joining the new government. Despite the major problems caused by Warlord Zsinj and his forces, the New Republic continued to solidify its hold on the galaxy. Following the defeat of Zsinj at Dathomir, Ackbar led a campaign into the regions held by the former warlord. After securing those planets for the New Republic, Ackbar's forces succeeded in capturing the shipbuilding world of Kuat. Despite the fierce fighting and damage sustained to Kuat Drive Yards, the battle was a major victory. Now entering the fifth year after the victory at Endor, three quarters of the galaxy, including the entire Core, were in the hands of the New Republic.

Thrawn's campaign and the aftermath
The battle against Thrawn was a costly one for the New Republic, weakening their forces and nearly bringing them to the brink of defeat. Ackbar was not able to fully coordinate the early stages of the war due to a Imperial conspiracy which was designed to remove him from the supreme command. This was further aided by Bothan Borsk Fey'lya, who was long jealous of Ackbar's prestige and power. Depsite these hardships, Ackbar's forces finally prevailed at the Battle of Bilbringi. Campaigns in the Ciutric Hegemony and operations to reclaim worlds lost to Thrawn spread the New Republic across the Rim. This left the vital Core worlds, and Coruscant in particular, open to a attack by reunified Imperial forces. That was exactly what happened.

Dark Empire
The campaign of the Reborn Emperor was the most costly struggle in the history of the New Republic up until the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion. Countless regions were lost, as the government went into hiding. Ackbar managed to keep the bulk of his fleets intact, moving them across the galaxy much in the same way he had during the Rebellion. Following the final death of Palpatine, the New Republic re-established itself. Ackbar's forces were dispatched to liberate worlds yet again, bringing them back into the fold of the New Republic.

Fighting back the Remnant
Following the threats of Daala, the Hutt Darksaber weapon, and other small scale engagments, the galaxy entered a relative time of quiet. This was shaken up during the conflict with the xenophobic Yevetha. This campaign was unique in that Ackbar did not take to the field directly, instead leaving command to his subordinate admirals and generals. From the Fleet Command offices on Coruscant, the Supreme Commander coordinated his forces and ensured that they were equipped with the necessary weapons and supplies. Following this and the incident at Almania, the Imperial Remnant decided to launch a major offensive against the New Republic, hoping that the problems of the past few years had weakened them. They were mistaken, as the New Republic always rallied in the face of threats from the Empire. Taking personal command in the field once again, Ackbar commanded the Third and Fifth fleets in a series of major battles with Pellaeon. Despite some setbacks, like the Battle of Gravlex Med, Ackbar's forces managed to trounce the Imperial forces. The victory was secured during the climactic Battle of Anx Minor. Ackbar ordered a barrage of concentrated fire on the experimental Imperial warship EX-F. Igniting its volatile antimatter reservoir, the subsequent explosion vaporized six additional Star Destroyers. This massive sudden loss sapped the morale of the Imperial forces. Pellaeon, hoping to save what he had left, retreated. By the time the campaign was over, the Imperial Remnant had been reduced to a mere eight sectors of the Outer Rim and a fleet of 200 Star Destroyers and a few thousand lesser vessels. Ackbar's victory was tremendous. It was a major reason that Pellaeon decided to make peace with the New Republic and sign the Pellaeon-Gavrisom Treaty. This was in no small part due to Ackbar.

Last Campaign
Ackbar remained Supreme Commander until his retirement. While he did not actively command forces again, he did develop the strategy and plan for the Battle of Ebaq 9. This victory turned the tide of the Vong war, and ensured the eventual establishment of the Galactic Alliance.

Personal life
Ackbar's commitment to serving the galaxy meant that he found little time for marriage or children. This was not uncommon amongst many of the early leaders of the Rebel Alliance. Devotion to duty left little time for romance or affection. Still, Ackbar did have family, namely two nieces, future Jedi Master Cilghal and Jesmin Ackbar, a fighter pilot. Years of working closely with Leia Organa Solo forged a close friendship as well. During the stressful times surrounding the Black Fleet Crisis, Ackbar served as a close friend and father figure to Leia. The relationship was so close that Ackbar was one of a handful of people who had a private key to the Solo resisdence in the Imperial Palace. Ackbar also bonded with Anakin Solo at a early age, affectionately calling him "my little fish", due to the boys love of water.

Close interaction with the Solo clan brought Ackbar into regular contact with Winter, personal aide to Leia. The two developed a close friendship, both enjoying each others company when time permitted. Years later, during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, Winter would care for the ailing admiral as he slowly succumbed to old age.

Ackbar's close working relationship with Wedge Antilles also turned into a friendship, with Ackbar serving as a sort of mentor to Wedge, especially during the early years of the New Republic. It was Ackbar that promoted Wedge to general. Following Ackbar's death, Wedge would feel the sense of loss from the passing of his old friend and commanding officer.

Politics
One of the realities of being the Supreme Commander of the New Republic military was regular interaction with politicians. However, unlike many career officers, he did not enjoy games of the political arena, relying on his trusted friend Mon Mothma to cover him. His skills were better suited for commanding the Defense Force, not the halls of government. Fortunately for Ackbar, when Mon Mothma retired from political service, Leia Organa Solo was chosen to be her successor. The bond that he formed with Leia similarly helped him in dealing with politicians. When Leia finally retired from politics shortly before the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong, Ackbar retired as well. This was due in part to feeling the Republic was stable, but also due to the fact that he had no desire to play politics with the incoming Chief of State, Borsk Fey'lya.

Behind the scenes
Admiral Ackbar was played by Timothy M. Rose in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

For SomethingAwful.com, LUELinks.net and Fark.com users, Ackbar has risen to level of Photoshop cliché, often used with the phrase "it's a trap!" or a variation thereof. The basis for this cliché is "Next time you watch Return of the Jedi, note that all Ackbar wants to do, from the minute the assault on the Death Star begins, is leave." "It's a trap!" became so overused that any use of either the phrase, or Ackbar's image, was banned from SomethingAwful.

Ackbar, however, ordered a retreat just once, when it was revealed that the Death Star II was operational. Also, the risk of the entire Alliance fleet being eliminated by the superior numbers and firepower of the Imperial fleet was probably more than enough reason to withdraw.

Appearances

 * A Death Star is Born
 * Empire at War
 * ''Star Wars: Rebellion
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * Truce at Bakura
 * The Glove of Darth Vader
 * Heir to the Empire
 * Dark Force Rising
 * The Last Command
 * Dark Empire
 * Dark Empire II
 * Dark Apprentice
 * Champions of the Force
 * Darksaber
 * Before the Storm
 * Tyrant's Test
 * The New Rebellion
 * Showdown at Centerpoint
 * Specter of the Past
 * Vision of the Future
 * Vector Prime
 * Destiny's Way
 * Ylesia
 * The Unifying Force

External link

 * Ackbar on Wikipedia