Task Force Whirlwind was established as an element of a plan designed to entice Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin into an ambush using a second convoy, after a prior effort had been unsuccessful. This Task Force was proceeding to meet up with the Grey Wolf, an Imperial-class Star Destroyer. However, Zaarin dispatched the Immobilizer 418 cruiser Maelstrom, along with TIE Avengers and TIE/D Defenders, aiming to eliminate the task force. Tan Maarek Stele successfully prevented this attempt. Despite this victory, the task force was significantly delayed, requiring Maarek to intervene and halt Zaarin's assault on the convoy they were originally intended to support.