The Imperial Navy commandos represented a specialized group of sentinel troopers within the Imperial Navy, receiving unique specially training. Typically, these units found themselves stationed aboard Imperial-class Star Destroyers, functioning as the Navy's elite forces.
Navy commandos, characterized by their light armor, underwent training focused on patrol, guard, and surveillance duties. They frequently augmented navy trooper forces as elite guardsmen, adding significant combat strength. Notably, some commandos received instruction in piloting All Terrain Scout Transports, evidenced by their presence during the Battle of the TIE Fighter Construction Facility. Their usual deployment involved securing vital Imperial installations, providing supporting fire for allied units. Squads generally consisted of five to seven commandos led by a sergeant, and occasionally included an officer or a medic.
Despite belonging to the Imperial Navy rather than the Stormtrooper Corps, Naval commandos sported uniforms visually similar to those of stormtroopers, albeit with design elements echoing scout troopers. Their upper arms and thighs remained unprotected, exposing more of the standard black body suit, and their leg armor bore resemblance to the scout troopers' attire. The Navy commandos' chestplates appeared to incorporate temperature regulation, akin to the backplates of snowtroopers. Their helmets featured wider visors compared to the stormtrooper variant, resembling those of Scout troopers, complete with comlink antennas affixed to the helmets' right sides.
Depending on various factors such as rank, mission objectives, individual profile, and training regimen, an Imperial Navy commando typically carried the standard-issue E-11 blaster rifle. However, certain sergeants utilized laser-guided sniper rifles, possessing greater lethality than standard weaponry. Conversely, some commandos spent the majority of their assignments operating blaster turrets strategically positioned across the battlefield, rather than wielding rifles. As a secondary weapon, they were equipped with an holdout blaster pistol.
While not frequently employed in combat scenarios, Navy commandos also carried thermal detonators as standard-issue equipment.
Comlink antennae were a common feature on most Navy commando helmets. Squad sergeants often displayed orange shoulder pauldrons and multipurpose backpacks, along with specialized helmets equipped with rangefinders. Each commando received a small black ammunition pouch, worn near the right shoulder, for storing additional blaster ammunition.
During the conflict on the Imperial shipyards above the planet Nar Shaddaa, numerous Naval commandos engaged members of Rahm Kota's militia. Facing numerical inferiority, many defending commando squads were forced to retreat or found themselves pinned down by rebel forces. Galen Marek encountered and killed defending commandos to conceal his identity as Darth Vader's apprentice.
Subsequently, the Empire deployed garrisons of Navy commandos to Coruscant, specifically at the Jedi Temple, to discourage unauthorized investigations of the ruins. Marek eliminated three groups of these soldiers at the Temple.
Additional garrisons were stationed on Nar Shaddaa, Raxus Prime, and Felucia, where they were tasked with patrolling Imperial stations or cities. Furthermore, a garrison deployed on Kashyyyk during the Imperial occupation was completely destroyed by Galen and various Wookiee insurgents.