Moff Wilhuff Tarkin's strike group was a component of the Imperial Navy organized as a task force specifically for the Salient Campaign. This campaign was initiated when the Galactic Empire, under the direction of Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, sought to bring the independently governed Salient system under Imperial dominion. Upon the arrival of Tarkin's flagship, the Executrix, an Imperial I-class Star Destroyer, in the star system which was exhibiting increasing resistance to Imperial authority, Moff Tarkin requested assistance from the battle group stationed at Telos, commanded by Admiral Utu. Ultimately, Tarkin's task force achieved success, bringing the system under Imperial control.
Under the leadership of Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, Tarkin's task force was an Imperial Navy task force. The Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Executrix formed the core of the task force, supplemented by a minimum of two Venator-class Star Destroyers dispatched from a battle group at Telos, including Admiral Utu's ship. These Venators also carried squadrons of ARC-170 starfighters, and the task force included additional starfighter formations organized into multiple fighter wings. Furthermore, the task force utilized screening blockades and patrol units, along with stormtrooper ground troops.
In 17 BBY, the Salient system, an autonomous entity governed by the Salient Strategic Command, actively resisted the Galactic Empire's attempt to impose its authority on the star system. This resistance arose after Moff Tarkin pursued insurgents within the system aboard his Star Destroyer, the Executrix. Having received advance warning of the impending Imperial incursion, the system swiftly initiated defensive preparations and began jamming communications. Consequently, Tarkin requested reinforcements from Admiral Utu, seeking any available assets she could provide. Two Venators, including Utu's flagship, were deployed and engaged insurgent forces above Salient II. Following Salient II's surrender and the expansion of Imperial control, Utu's forces launched a ground assault on Salient One.
Ultimately, Imperial forces identified insurgent resupply depots, prompting Tarkin to order Utu and her ship to destroy an encampment concealed beneath a rock formation. The resulting bombardment was precise, and Utu's search droids discovered the remains of the insurgents, including the wounded Has Obitt, a Salient commander, who was subsequently airlifted to the Executrix. Shortly thereafter, the Salient Campaign concluded with an Imperial triumph.
Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, holding the rank of task force admiral, was in overall command of the task force. Admiral Utu directed her units as an integral part of the task force. Other key personnel included the executive officer of the Executrix, and Tarkin's adjutant. Additional commanders exercised authority over ground-based forces.
Tarkin's task force was first introduced in the canon 2016 novel Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel, authored by James Luceno.