Phoenix Leader ( Ibaar ) A human male flew under the callsign " Phoenix Leader " for Phoenix Cell , an anti - Galactic Empire fleet composed of RZ - 1 A - wing interceptor s that operated under the command of Jun Sato . During 4 BBY , Phoenix Leader led the squadron in an attack against the Empire over the planet Ibaar in an attempt to break the Imperial ' s planetary blockade and deliver relief supplies to Ibaar ' s starving populace . When the supply ship Transport One was destroyed by the Imperial defenses the rebels ordered a full retreat . However , the life of Phoenix Leader was claimed by Imperial fire during the escape . Rebel pilot Hera Syndulla was later promoted as the human ' s successor after her participation in a second rebel strike against the blockade that proved successful . Biography . During the year 4 BBY a human male was a member of Phoenix Cell , a small fleet of RZ - 1 A - wing interceptor s under the leadership of Commander Jun Sato . The squadron opposed the rule of the Galactic Empire , and joined a rebel network led by Imperial senator Bail Organa and ex - Jedi Ahsoka Tano . Sometime after the Siege of Lothal , the human male pilot served Phoenix Squadron as Phoenix Leader . As Phoenix Leader , he participated in a mission to deliver food to the Imperial occupied planet Ibaar , as an Imperial blockade cut off the planet ' s ability to receive off world resources needed for the world ' s populace to survive . The rebels ' plan was to storm the blockade and send a transport loaded with food down to Ibaar ' s surface , where it would be received by local miner Eesh Fahm . Phoenix Leader and four other A - Wing starfighters joined the CR90 corvette Transport One , the chosen supply vessel , and the starship " Ghost " , captain ed by the Twi ' lek Hera Syndulla , in the mission . After initially engaging the Imperial blockade , the Imperial commander , Agent Kallus of the Imperial Security Bureau , opened a communications line and ordered the approaching rebels to disperse . Instead , Syndulla and Phoenix Leader engaged the Imperial ships . Syndulla ordered Phoenix Leader to concentrate on the Imperial TIE fighters and cover the " Ghost " , which Phoenix Leader promised to do . Despite the rebels destroying several TIE fighters in the ensuing fight , the skirmish turned towards the Empire ' s favor when Transport One was destroyed . The order to retreat was given , and Phoenix Leader had his men fall back . However , Phoenix Leader ' s escape was cut short by Imperial fire . News of his death spread through the rebel comm channels , and the remainder of Phoenix Squadron escaped the system . Despite the initial failure , Syndulla returned to Ibaar with an experimental starfighter loaded with advanced weapons and helped the rebel forces break through the blockade and deliver food to the planet ' s populace . For her actions , Syndulla was promoted as the new Phoenix Leader . Personality and traits . Phoenix Leader was a human male with light - color ed skin and blue eye s . When Syndulla asked whether or not Phoenix Leader was ready for the assault on the Imperial blockade , Phoenix Leader acknowledged that he and his men were ready for the mission at hand . Phoenix Leader was a capable pilot , and fought Imperial fighters off during the early stages of the mission . However , he was unable to out - maneuver enemy fire as he made his retreat . While piloting his A - wing , Phoenix Leader wore a green jumpsuit and a beige helmet . His A - wing had blue , white , and red markings across it . Behind the scenes . Phoenix Leader first appeared in " Wings of the Master , " the fifth episode of season two of the " Star Wars Rebels " television series . Phoenix Leader ' s voice was provided by Steve Blum , who also provided the voice for series regular Garazeb Orrelios .