The Sixteenth Tactical Recon Group functioned as a component of the Fifth Battle Group belonging to the New Republic Defense Fleet throughout the Black Fleet Crisis.
As the New Republic experienced dwindling numbers of its reconnaissance vessels, crucial intelligence concerning the Koornacht Cluster became scarce. To address this deficiency, the 16th was established. Under the leadership of Colonel Mauit'ta, its objective was to survey the cluster—paying close attention to Yevethan activities, deployments, and installations. In order to achieve this, the group received a complete set of droid-operated Ferret-class drones in addition to the larger, manned Prowler-class reconnaissance craft.