The Imperial Naval Trooper wears a distinctive black uniform and helmet that conjures up images of the Death Star Trooper. It was from these ranks that Grand Moff Tarkin selected a corps of highly trained elite men and women to become Death Star Troopers. Instead of relying on the Imperial Army to protect its vast number of warships, the Imperial Navy created these corps of deadly and well-trained and equipped warriors. Besides acting as soldiers, they serve as security, handle hanger traffic control, monitor sensor arrays, and other duties when their combat skills are not required. They also use their technical skills to maintain the Empire's military facilities. And they are also assigned to defend key installations.

    For combat operations Naval Troopers are generally employed in mop up operations after the heavy fighting is over, since Stormtroopers perform most ship-to-ship boarding and landing assaults. However, smaller and more remotely posted vessels, such as those in the Outer Rim Territories more heavily rely on their Naval Troopers. It is these more bloodied units that can spring a nasty surprise against Rebel SpecForces. Nonetheless, these troopers are usually no match against Rebel SpaceOps Troopers, and as such are widely regarded as a joke by the Rebels.