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There hasn't been a mission Shadow Squadron couldn't complete."
"That's right. Minimal casualties, maximum effectiveness. That's us.Matchstick and Broadside
Shadow Squadron was an elite starfighter squadron of at least twelve clone trooper pilots, including Matchstick and Broadside, in service to the Republic Navy during the Clone Wars.[1]
Shadow Squadron was a starfighter squadron in the Galactic Republic that consisted of at least twelve clone trooper pilots that utilized BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bombers during the Clone Wars.[1] In 22 BBY,[7] during the Malevolence Campaign, Shadow Squadron was created[6] by Jedi General Anakin Skywalker to destroy Separatist Alliance General Grievous and his flagship, the Malevolence. Although sustaining heavy casualties during the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula, Shadow Squadron prevailed by disabling both of the starship's mega-ion cannons.[1]
Later during the war, Shadow Squadron participated in the Battle of Kamino, where they defended the planet from a Separatist invasion. General Skywalker led starfighter forces against Separatist warships, and in conjunction with the Republic blockade, managed to cripple various vessels. Although Separatist forces landed on Kamino's surface via the wreckage of the starships, the invasion failed and the Republic was successful in safeguarding the vital planet.[3] Shadow Squadron also participated in the Battle of Kadavo which saw the liberation of Togruta slaves, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Clone Captain CT-7567 "Rex" from Zygerrian slavers and culminated in the destruction of the Kadavo slave processing facility.[4]
By the end of the war, the pilots of Shadow Squadron were flying[2] modified Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighters equipped with hyperdrives and better shielding.[6] In the waning months of the war, as one of the elite clone formations, they carried out critical missions that included escort duty for Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's personal Theta-class T-2c shuttle.[2] They also defended the Republic capital during the Battle of Coruscant.[5]