The space conflict known as the Skirmish near Gelgelar involved Rebel Alliance forces against elements belonging to the Imperial Navy. This battle occurred shortly after the Empire gained control over the Gelgelar system. The skirmish began when a deep-space operation, designed to move survivors from the Evacuation of Gelgelar to the medical frigate called Redemption, was disrupted. The disruption was caused by the arrival of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Nemesis along with a small contingent of Assault Gunboats.
Alliance High Command had hoped that the transfer of injured personnel from the abandoned Gelgelar base to the Redemption would be conducted discreetly, avoiding detection by the Empire. The operation initially proceeded without issue for the Rebels; both transports carrying medical supplies successfully docked with the Redemption. However, soon after the first Gallofree medium transport, carrying the wounded, docked with the medical frigate, the Star Destroyer Nemesis emerged from hyperspace and immediately launched its fighters.
Rogue and Gold Squadrons faced significant challenges in defending against the TIE/LN starfighters and TIE/sa bombers using their Z-95 fighters. Despite being outmatched, these snubfighters somehow managed to hold off the Imperial forces. With the Nemesis's fighter complement nearly exhausted and the agile Headhunters dodging the Star Destroyer's turbolaser fire, the Imperials requested reinforcements in the form of several flight groups of Assault Gunboats, increasing the pressure on the Rebel fighters to protect their ships from damage.
After approximately fifteen minutes of intense combat, the final transport departed from the Redemption, only to be destroyed by the Nemesis, which had finally moved into a position to fire. The Redemption, firing all its weapons, sustained heavy damage from the Star Destroyer's turbolasers. However, the frigate's shields held long enough for it to escape into hyperspace, accompanied by its fighter escort.
The transfer from the GR75 medium transports to the Redemption likely saved numerous Rebel lives, thanks to the medical facilities available on the frigate.
As the situation from the First Battle of Gelgelar settled, Rebel High Command recognized the need for a new operational base in the Airam sector because the Elrood sector had been overtaken by Task Force Vengeance. Consequently, the Alliance decided to deploy additional forces to that region.