Cargo Bay 17 served as one of the storage areas aboard Freighter 2716, an Orca-class freighter. Within this bay, the Empire held captive individuals destined to contribute to the construction of the first Death Star.
During the year 1 BBY, Freighter 2716 experienced an intrusion by Saw Gerrera, Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, and the droid Chopper. By accessing the ship's computer systems, the group discovered that Cargo Bay 17 was a prohibited zone, prompting their investigation. Upon entering, they discovered prisoners were being transported to aid in the building of the first Death Star, all possessing skills as either reactor mechanics or power specialists. Following the liberation of these captives, the rebels set a large Kyber crystal to detonate, resulting in the destruction of not only Cargo Bay 17, but also the entirety of Freighter 2716.