The New Republic Fifth Fleet, also recognized as the Fifth Defense Task Force, began its service as the Fifth Roving Battle Group. This fleet stood out as the first within the New Republic Defense Fleet to be exclusively composed of New Class warships. Initially designed as a swift response force, the Fifth Roving Battle Group saw action under the leadership of General Etahn A'baht during the tumultuous Black Fleet Crisis of 16 ABY. This period earned them the moniker "Fighting Fifth" and led to their formal establishment as a full-fledged fleet. By 19 ABY, the Fifth Fleet had expanded to include approximately five hundred capital ships and several thousand starfighters, organized into five distinct battle groups.
In 28 ABY, a reorganization of the Fifth Fleet occurred alongside the broader restructuring of the New Republic Defense Forces, resulting in its redesignation as the Galactic Alliance Fifth Fleet.
The Fifth Fleet, originally structured into five task forces, was first activated in 16 ABY as the Fifth Roving Battle Group, with General Etahn A'baht in command. A'baht directed the fleet from the Intrepid. The activation of the Fifth Battle Group stemmed from concerns over the other four New Republic Navy fleets being overextended in territorial deployments, leaving the New Republic without a readily available rapid response capability. However, its formation sparked controversy among some senators within the New Republic, who worried about its potential misuse as an instrument of aggression.
During the Black Fleet Crisis, the Fifth Battle Group was heavily involved in the Koornacht Cluster, sustaining casualties in both the Battle of Doornik-319 and the subsequent Battle of N'zoth. Following these engagements, the Fifth oversaw the pacification of N'zoth and the remnants of the shattered Duskhan League. In the wake of the Black Fleet Crisis, the "Fighting Fifth" was swiftly upgraded to full fleet status.
The New Republic Third Fleet joined the Fifth Fleet in Admiral Ackbar's offensive against the Imperial Remnant in 18 ABY, culminating in the Battle of Anx Minor. After A'baht's departure, his friend, Kiles L'toth, assumed command. By 19 ABY, the year that saw the Pellaeon–Gavrisom Treaty establish peace with the Imperial Remnant, thus concluding the Galactic Civil War, the Fifth Fleet had grown to its full capacity. It now consisted of five hundred capital ships divided into five battle groups, complemented by thousands of starfighters.
During the Yuuzhan Vong War, the Fifth Fleet was initially deployed between Kothlis and Bothawui. Its mission was to defend vital Core systems following the fall of Fondor. With the New Republic's transformation into the Galactic Alliance, the fleet was later renamed the Galactic Alliance Fifth Fleet.
Prior to Operation Hammerblow, the Fifth Fleet comprised 106 starships, organized into five task forces each containing approximately twenty-one vessels, although these numbers varied due to operational needs. Each task force was built around either a Nebula-class Star Destroyer or an Endurance-class fleet carrier, supported by two Majestic-class heavy cruisers, two Defender-class assault carriers, four Sacheen-class escort frigates, and five Warrior-class gunships. It's reasonable to assume that each task force also included several Agave-class pickets and at least two Hajen-class fleet tenders.
Following the devastating Battle of Doornik-319, the Fifth Battle Group received reinforcements consisting of 133 additional warships from the Third, Fourth, and Second Fleets.
By 19 ABY, the Fifth Fleet had reached its full operational strength, boasting five hundred capital ships distributed across five battle groups, along with thousands of starfighters.
- General Etahn A'baht , commanding officer
- Commodore Han Solo , sitting officer
- Commodore Brand , commander of Task Force Aster
- Commodore Mirx , commander of Task Force Copperleaf
- Commodore Tolsk , commander of Task Force Blackvine
- Captain Morano , commander of the flagship Intrepid
- Captain Logirth , commander of Venture
- Captain Sreas , died during the capture of Tampion
- Colonel Corgan , staff tactical officer
- Colonel Mauit'ta , staff intelligence officer
- Colonel Bowman Gavin , Commander Air Group
- Colonel Trenn Gant , New Republic Intelligence attache
- Commander Syub Snunb , commander of Resolve
- Lieutenant Bos , Bravo Flight leader
- Lieutenant Frekka , simulation controller aboard Venture
- Lieutenant Ragsall , Bravo Seven
- Second Lieutenant Plat Mallar , Recon X-wing pilot
- Flight Officer Esege Tuketu , K-wing bomber pilot
- Flight Officer Hodo K-wing bomber pilot
- Flight Officer Miranda Doni K-wing bomber pilot
Before Operation Hammerblow - 106 warships
- 2-3 Endurance-class fleet carriers Intrepid Venture
- 1-3 Nebula-class Star Destroyers Resolve
- Majestic-class heavy cruisers Gallant Illustrious Indomitable Liberty Stalwart Vigilant
- Defender-class assault carriers Repulse Shield
- 1 Immobilizer 418 cruiser
- Sacheen-class light escorts Trenchant
- Hajen-class fleet tenders Ahazi Northstar
- Warrior-class gunships Marauder Vanguard
- Agave-class picket ships Folna Wayfarer
- Anonymous New Class starships Imperious (Carrier)
Before the Battle of N'zoth - 220 warships
- 1-5 Imperial-class Star Destroyers Yakez
- 4-8 Endurance-class fleet carriers Ballarat Intrepid Starpoint Venture
- Nebula-class Star Destroyers Resolve
- Majestic-class heavy cruisers Illustrious Indomitable Liberty Mandjur Stalwart Vigilant
- Defender-class assault carriers Repulse Shield
- 1+ Immobilizer 418 cruisers
- Sacheen-class light escorts
- Hajen-class fleet tenders Northstar
- Warrior-class gunships Marauder Vanguard Warrior
- Agave-class picket ships Folna Wayfarer
- Anonymous New Class starships Aboukir Banshee Farlight Fulminant Garland Gol Storn Imperious (Carrier) Jantol Polaron Thackery Thunderhead Volant (Carrier) Werra