Imperial ground crews,[5] also known as Imperial technicians,[6] or Imperial deck technicians,[7] were Imperial personnel who ensured the smooth operation of Imperial craft through regular maintenance at space-bound and ground-based Imperial installations,[5] such as the major Imperial security complex on Scarif.[1]
These crew members were vital as they could help direct traffic where automated systems could not typically make decisions fast enough as the landing fields changed. Preferring the analog method of landing craft, technicians eyeballed distances without sensors using their illuminated traffic wands. Technicians also wore piloting gear, as seen on Kent Deezling, as they were authorized to commandeer certain vessels into proper landing position.[1]
History[]

Jyn Erso (center) in the stolen Imperial ground crew armor of Kent Deezling.
Imperial ground crews were stationed on Mimban during the Mimban Campaign in 10 BBY, where they were also equipped with capes. Odeffro Msern served as a ground crew specialist on Mimban.[2] In 1 BBY,[8] Jyn Erso disguised herself in the Imperial ground crew armor of Kent Deezling[1] to enter the research and development installation on Scarif during the Battle of Scarif.[3]
Behind the scenes[]
Imperial ground crews first appeared in the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,[1] and were later identified as Imperial deck technicians in Solo: A Star Wars Story The Official Guide, a reference book released in 2018.[7]
Appearances[]
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi — "Part III"
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi — "Part IV"
- Han Solo & Chewbacca 6
"Tales of Villainy: The Short Goodbye" — Star Wars Adventures (2020) 5
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (First appearance)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story novelization (and audiobook)
- Star Wars: Rogue One: A Junior Novel (and audiobook)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Graphic Novel Adaptation
- Rogue One Adaptation 5
- Shadow Fall: An Alphabet Squadron Novel (and audiobook)
- Victory's Price: An Alphabet Squadron Novel (and audiobook)
- Star Wars: Hunters (Armor only)
Non-canon appearances[]
Sources[]
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Trailer Tease on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Trailer #2 (Official) on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
LEGO Star Wars (Set: 75154 TIE Striker)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story "Jyn & Cassian" Extended TV Spot on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story "Breath" TV Spot on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link)
- Star Wars: Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide
- Solo: A Star Wars Story The Official Guide (First identified as Imperial deck technician)
- TIE Fighter Owners' Workshop Manual
- Ultimate Star Wars, New Edition
Every Type of Trooper in Star Wars | Star Wars By the Numbers on the official Star Wars Kids YouTube channel (original link is obsolete)
- Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy
- Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy
Imperial ground crew in the Databank (backup link) (First identified as Imperial ground crew)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Star Wars: Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Solo: A Star Wars Story
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- ↑
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi — "Part IV"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2
Imperial ground crew in the Databank (backup link)
- ↑
NEW Star Wars Launch Bay Rogue One Additions & Changes Update on the The Dani Diaries YouTube channel (backup link) (at 5m59s)
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Solo: A Star Wars Story The Official Guide
- ↑ Star Wars: Timelines