Whirlwind functioned as an Immobilizer 418 cruiser within the naval forces of the Galactic Empire. This cruiser served as the flagship for Task Force Whirlwind, with a mission to reinforce a convoy under attack by Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin's fleet, aiming to ensnare Zaarin's forces. Regrettably, Zaarin deployed his own Immobilizer 418 cruiser, named Maelstrom, with the specific objective of eliminating the Whirlwind. Tan Maarek Stele intervened and successfully disrupted this assault; however, the delay caused by this engagement prevented them from springing their trap, necessitating Stele's deployment to rescue the endangered convoy.