When Vice Admiral Thrawn decided to inspect the progress of construction on the new platform, nearly all of the TIE Fighters and TIE Interceptors on hand were out of service undergoing maintenance and repairs. Even though Vice Admiral Thrawn knew of this fact, he still demanded that he would make this inspection. To ensure the safety of Thrawn, TIE Bombers would be used to escort his transports to and from the platform to his VSD. This was one of the first battles that the Galactic Empire employed the new Advanced Concussion Missiles. The VSD Stalwart arrived 45 seconds after the start of the battle and launched the Stormtrooper Transports Sigma 1 and Sigma 2. The Stormtrooper Transport Reload stayed close to the platform. Stele headed out to intercept the Stormtrooper Transports so that he could escort them. Around this period of time, the Rebels appeared about 8 km away. Once the A-Wings were within 2.5 km, Stele ordered his wingman to attack it. Soon the A-Wings had surrounded the TIE Bombers and the Stormtrooper Transports.

    Since the transports were close enough to the platform, Stele broke off escort and engaged the A-Wings. Stele had attempted to fire at an A-Wing using his laser cannons, however instead of hitting the fast moving target, he hit his wingman which got in front him. Stele for the first time using the new missiles, targeted the A-Wing and fired two of the missiles at it, destroying it. Stele ordered his wingman to attack an X-Wing, while he went after another A-Wing. He destroyed it using a couple of the advanced concussion missiles. After which Stele was on the verge to assist his wingman, but saw no need when his wingman destroyed the X-Wing. Stele shot down a damaged A-Wing that was trying to escape from the conflict. With its destruction more A-Wings arrived. Stele and his wingman attacked these new arrivals. After the A-Wings had been dealt with, the TIE Bombers turned their attention on the X-Wings. Once Vice Admiral Thrawn had completed his inspection of the new platform, he used the Stormtrooper Transport Omega to return to the VSD.

    With the area clear of hostiles, Stele immediately made his way to escort the transport. Around this time, Pakuuni Pirate shuttles had arrived in the area, from the planet of Pakuuni. Stele and his wingman intercepted them. Stele a shuttle with a pair of the missiles, while finishing it off with his laser cannons. It was not long after that the attackers were destroyed. Soon after, Vice Admiral Thrawn had made it safely aboard the VSD Stalwart. Stele decided to stay in the area a little while longer. He was rewarded with the arrival of more Pakuuni shuttles. In the end, all of the shuttles were destroyed. Stele also ensured that he got the last kill and had missiles left over. Vice Admiral Thrawn was pleased with his forces' ability to improvise with the TIE Bomber and using it effectively in a defensive role.