On June 3rd Gallente Militia anchored an Astrahus class Citadel in the Okkamon system. As many know, once anchored this structure takes 24 hours to complete the anchoring process at the end of which is a 15 minute vulnerability timer. When enough damage is applied the timer stops, giving a chance to destroy the Citadel in this small vulnerability period. More on this can be found here as timers may be different in null.
On June 4th Caldari Militia formed up prior to the vulnerability timer then undocked in a long range battlecruiser fleet comprised of Ferox, Brutix, and Hurricanes with Maulus and logistics support before heading over to the citadel. Damage was immediately applied and the Caldari Militia waited patiently for a Gallente response fleet. As the citadel fell to 40% structure a T3 cruiser fleet fielded primarily by BEBOP Gal Mil forces landed 100KM from the Caldari fleet. Calls for ammo types went out, and re-positioning began as both side opened fire at long range. I watched as fire streaked out across the void and slammed into ships like lances of fire in the black of night. Both sides logistics were able to handle the incoming fire initially. I watched as targets were constantly changing on both sides as they probed for weaknesses or tried to burn through a target before it could catch reps. Slowly the fleets began to close the distance to one another. Ammo types were changed up again and now ships were being traded on both sides as logistics were no longer able to keep up with the damage. On each side the bright blue flash of a ship’s death could be seen as targets called continued to shift. Cal Mil was trading T1 battlecruisers for Gal Mil’s T3 cruisers at a steady pace.
Suddenly a Cyno went up and Gal Mil carriers entered the field supported by an Apostle. Others were also now joining the fight and local spiked up to 540 in system. Snuffed Out and Project.Mayhem showed up in a Nightmare fleet and quickly engaged the capital fleet making quick work of the Gal Mil carriers. Cal Mil kept focus on the T3 Gal Mil fleet pressing hard as T3 cruiser losses were beginning to mount. Suddenly the Astrahus exploded in violent fury as the Cal Mil strategic goal was met. With capitals being lost and the support fleet dwindling the call was made and Gal Mil forces exited the field.
Now that the main fight was over other parties on the field turned toward the Cal Mil forces and an all out brawl ensued. Shortly after the Cal Mil forces withdrew from the field. Before it would end the tally would total 64b in losses between all sides including 4 carriers, 1 Apostle, and the Astrahus.
Speaking with Glitch Lampshade, FC of Cal Mil forces, he had this to say.
We achieved our goals today. We are not going to let the Gal Mil put a citadel on our own doorstep. That is just not going to happen. I am proud of Cal Mil showing up in force like they did. This is the best response we have had lately and it shows Cal Mil is capable of turning the tide when it matters most. I can only hope this type of participation continues moving forward.
This battle is the largest in recent militia history with 271 ships lost and is hopefully the first of many engagements of this style seen in faction warfare space. I will be keeping in close contact with faction warfare engagements and look forward to bringing you constant updates within the region.
-Sunbeam
