Barton Coburn
Barton Coburn, a human male, achieved the rank of admiral within the Galactic Republic Navy, serving as an officer. During the Battle of Lola Sayu, he was in command of a task force, and later, during the Battle of Kadavo, he captained the _Arquitens_-class light cruiser known as the Hand of Justice. Following the end of the war and the rise of the new regime, he transitioned into the service of the Galactic Empire. Around 18 BBY, he participated in a summit held at the Raven's Peak facility on the planet Eriadu.
Biography
Service in the Republic Military
During the Clone Wars, Barton Coburn, a human male, held the position of Admiral within the Galactic Republic Navy. He served under the leadership of Jedi General Plo Koon throughout the conflict. Admiral Coburn distinguished himself in numerous Clone Wars battles. He oversaw the Republic task force dispatched to retrieve the strike team responsible for liberating Captain Wilhuff Tarkin and Jedi Master Even Piell from the Citadel on Lola Sayu. Furthermore, he directed the operation aimed at rescueing Togruta slaves from the Zygerrian slaving facility located on Kadavo. As captain of the Hand of Justice, an Arquitens-class light cruiser, Coburn waited for Koon and his starfighters to take out the turrets, then he moved the ship beneath the Zygerrian facility to assist in the Togrutas' liberation.
Service Under the Empire
Following Koon’s demise and the rise of the Galactic Empire after the Republic's fall at the conclusion of the Clone Wars, Coburn remained a respected Admiral, continuing his service under the new Imperial regime. Around 18 BBY, he accompanied Governor Tarkin to a summit held at Raven's Peak on Eriadu. Also in attendance were fellow Clone War veterans General Hurst Romodi of the Imperial Army, Tarkin’s rival Commander Orson Krennic of the Imperial Weapons Division, and Chief Scientist Doctor Royce Hemlock from the Advanced Science Division of the Imperial Science Bureau. Coburn was regarded as one of the Empire's high-ranking figures. When Doctor Hemlock discussed the progress of his and the Advanced Science Division's work on the cloning project, which had previously been overseen by the Kaminoans and was of significant importance to Galactic Emperor Sheev Palpatine, Coburn voiced his concerns, echoing Romodi's unease, but for a different reason. He cited the clone troopers' remarkable abilities and unwavering dedication during the war, having served alongside them for many years. Tarkin countered that the clones had displayed a worrying degree of independence under the Jedi Order's guidance. Coburn then expressed his apprehension that the clones might rebel against the Empire if they discovered Hemlock's Imperial cloning program, to which Hemlock warned the Admiral some already had and Tarkin assured him that any rogue clones would be dealt with swiftly and decisively to prevent a clone uprising. Tarkin then instructed Krennic to provide an update on Project Stardust.
As the summit proceeded, insurgents under the command of Clone War veteran Commander Saw Gerrera infiltrated Raven's Peak, planting thermal explosives that detonated, causing widespread destruction to the compound. Coburn and the other attendees were confined to the conference room. Hemlock was the only one who expressed faith in Tarkin as chaos erupted around them, while Gerrera and the surviving insurgents escaped, as reported by Lieutenant Maylur's team. Tragically, Coburn's fears materialized in a far more devastating manner months later. Clone Force 99, a rogue unit, assassinated Doctor Hemlock and several troopers from the Advanced Science Division, causing extensive damage to various sections of his base by releasing the Zillo Beast. This resulted in Tarkin posthumously punishing the brilliant officer by ordering Captain Bragg to permanently close the base and reallocate all funding and remaining resources to Project Stardust when he went there to give his assistance insistingly.
Personality and Characteristics
Barton Coburn, a human male, possessed light skin, blue eyes, and graying hair. He was known as a calm and collected leader, inspiring trust among the troops under his command. During his time serving the Empire, he held the clone troopers in high regard, praising their courage and competence. However, in the end, he allowed Tarkin and Hemlock to dismiss his reservations about using them as subjects in cloning experiments.
Gear and Attire
Barton Coburn wore the standard gray Imperial officer's tunic, along with flared/normal pants, a black utility belt, and black durasteel-toed boots. As an admiral, his rank insignia plaque consisted of a single row of six blue squares.
Behind the scenes information
Admiral Barton Coburn's character was conceived for the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He debuted in the March 2011 episode "Citadel Rescue," which was part of the series' third season. Later, he appeared in the fourth season episode "Escape from Kadavo," which premiered on January 5, 2012. Coinciding with his appearance in the latter episode, he was given an entry in the StarWars.com Encyclopedia. Dee Bradley Baker provided the voice for Coburn in "Citadel Rescue," but the voice actor for "Escape from Kadavo" remains unconfirmed. The character also featured in the fifth season episodes "Point of No Return" and "The Jedi Who Knew Too Much."