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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|RE|GOO}}
{{References}}
{{battle
{{Cleanup}}
|prev=[[Battle of New Harmony]]
{{Battle infobox
|conc=[[Battle of New Constantinople]], [[Siege of the Atlas Moons]]
|prev=*[[Battle of New Harmony]]
|next=[[Battle of Kholo]]
*[[Operation: HWACHA]]
|name=Battle of K7-49
*[[Battle of New Constantinople]]
|image=
*[[Battle of Leonis Minoris]]
|conc=
|next=[[Siege of the Atlas Moons]]
|name=Operation: PROMETHEUS
|image=[[File:HM PROMETHEUS.jpg|300px]]
|conflict=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|conflict=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|date=July 27, [[2537]] - August 2, 2537
|date=[[2537|July 27 - before July 30, 2537]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=GoOC8|GoO|Chapter=8}}{{Ref/Note|''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'' notes that PROMETHEUS began at 0700 hours on July 27, and that at least seven days passed over the course of the operation. However, the meeting reviewing PROMETHEUS' performance took place on July 30, which took place only three days later.}}
|place=[[K7-49]]
|place=[[K7-49]]
|result= UNSC strategic victory
|result='''Pyrrhic UNSC victory'''
*All participating Spartans killed
*Covenant shipyard destroyed
|side1=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|side1=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|side2=[[Covenant]]
|side2=[[Covenant]]
|commanders1=Unknown
|commanders1=Unknown
|commanders2=Unknown
|commanders2=Unknown
|forces1=*Alpha Company (300 [[SPARTAN-III Program|SPARTAN-IIIs]])
|forces1=*Multiple {{Class|Calypso|exfiltration craft}}
*Multiple [[Calypso-class Exfiltration Craft|''Calypso''-class Exfiltration Craft]]
*[[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company]] (300 [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-IIIs]])
|forces2=*Thousands of  Covenant soldiers
|forces2=*Multiple [[Type-26 Banshee]]s
**[[Unggoy|Grunt]]
*Thousands of  Covenant soldiers
**[[Kig-yar|Jackal]]
**[[Mgalekgolo]]
**[[Sangheili|Elite]]
**[[Sangheili]]
**[[Mgalekgolo|Hunter]]
**[[Huragok]]
**[[Huragok|Engineer]]
**[[Kig-Yar]]
*Multiple [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]]  
**[[Unggoy]]
|casual1=All participating members of Alpha Company
|casual1=All participating members of Alpha Company
|casual2=Heavy
|casual2=Heavy
}}
}}
'''Operation: PROMETHEUS''' was a high-risk mission ordered by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]. The mission took place on [[K7-49]], a volcanic asteroid which served as a [[Covenant]] shipyard.  
'''Operation: PROMETHEUS''' was a high-risk mission ordered by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] that took place between [[2537|July 27 and August 2, 2537]]. The operation saw the deployment of 300 [[Spartan-III]]s from [[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company|Alpha Company]] to [[K7-49]], an asteroid which served as a [[Covenant]] shipyard, in order to disrupt the enemy's operations there. The mission ended in a Pyrrhic victory: though the facility was disabled, all 300 Spartans were killed.


==Background==
==Prelude==
K7-49 was discovered when the prowler {{UNSCShip|Razor's Edge}} was trying to probe an enemy ship during the [[Battle of New Harmony]]. They followed the ship through Slipspace and discovered the asteroid, along with a dozen partially constructed Covenant ships; an orbital shipyard. The volcanism on the planet is artificial; created by high-output plasma reactors that liquefy metallurgical components. They are then refined, shaped, and shipped away for final assembly.<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', page 83</ref>
K7-49 was discovered when the prowler {{UNSCShip|Razor's Edge}} managed to attach a [[telemetry probe]] to an enemy ship during the [[Battle of New Harmony]]. The UNSC discovered the asteroid after the ship's return there along with a dozen partially constructed Covenant ships and an orbital shipyard. The asteroid's apparent volcanism was artificial; it was created by thirty high-output plasma reactors that liquefied metallurgical components. These were then refined, shaped, and shipped away for final assembly.{{Ref/Novel|Id=GoOP83|GoO|Chapter=8|Page=83}}


The mission for the SPARTAN-IIIs was to disable as many reactors possible so that the liquid contents of the facility would solidify and permanently clog their capacity to produce the metal.
The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] deployed the entirety of [[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company]] to the asteroid. The [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartans]]' mission was to disable as many reactors as possible so the liquid contents of the facility would solidify and permanently clog the machines, ruining the Covenant's capacity to produce the ship components.


==History==
==The operation==
At 0700, 300 SPARTAN-IIIs from [[Alpha Company]] landed. Initial resistance to the SPARTANs was light, and after two days, seven reactors had been deactivated before the Covenant organized a proper counterforce. However, the force was neutralized and over the next three days, Alpha Company destroyed 13 more reactors.  
[[File:HM-MLGSIII.png|200px|thumb|left|A Spartan-III leaps at a [[Sangheili]] [[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] with [[combat knife]] in hand.]]
At 0700 on July 27, 2537, 300 Spartan-IIIs landed on the asteroid. Initial resistance to the Spartans was light, and after two days, seven reactors had been deactivated before the Covenant organized a proper counterforce. The counterattacks were neutralized and, over the next three days, Alpha Company destroyed 13 more reactors.{{Ref/Reuse|GoOC8}}


However, the Covenant soon arranged a massive counterforce, with the SPARTANs trading fire with [[Elites]] and [[Banshees]]. On the seventh day, more Covenant reinforcements arrived. The SPARTANs lost their unit cohesion in the battle, while the Elites took up superior positions with good cover. By then, 89% of the planet had cooled, enough for the Covenant shipyard to be shut down. The SPARTANs, however, were cut off from their Calypso exfiltration craft, preventing them from escaping.<ref>''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', page 86</ref>
However, the Covenant soon arranged a massive counterforce, with the Spartans trading fire with [[Sangheili]] and [[Type-26 Banshee|ground attack craft]]. More Covenant reinforcements arrived on August 2. The Spartans lost their unit cohesion in the battle, while the Sangheili took up superior positions with good cover. By then, 89% of the asteroid had cooled, enough to render the shipyard inoperative. The Spartans were cut off from their {{Class|Calypso|exfiltration craft}}, preventing them from escaping. Ultimately, all 300 Spartans were killed.{{Ref/Novel|Id=GoOP86|GoO|Chapter=8|Page=86}}


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
Although K7-49 would no longer be used to build ships, all members of Alpha Company were killed in the fighting. Additionally, they paved the way for [[Beta Company]], which had less mistakes in it then Alpha Company.
Although the mission was a success and the K7-49 shipyard was disabled, the Spartans sustained 100% fatalities. Other than a small number of Spartans transferred to other units prior to the operation, these losses ended Alpha Company as an active fighting force. According to [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Kurt Ambrose]], the leader of the Spartan-IIIs, failure would have resulted in the destruction of all of humanity's [[Wikipedia:Orion (constellation)|Orion]]-side colonies.{{Ref/Novel|Id=GoOP341|GoO|Chapter=8|Page=341}}


==Timeline==
==Timeline==
*On July 27, at 0700, 300 SPARTAN-IIIs land on K7-49.
*On July 27, at 0700, 300 Spartan-IIIs land on K7-49.{{Ref/Reuse|GoOC8}}
*On July 29, two reactors had been disabled. A counterforce had been arranged by the Covenant.
*Two days later, seven reactors have been disabled. A counterforce is assembled by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|GoOC8}}
*The Covenant force is neutralized. Over the next three days, 13 more reactors are destroyed. A massive attack force has been sent by the Covenant.
*The Covenant force is neutralized. Over the next three days, 13 more reactors are destroyed. Another, larger force attack force is sent by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|GoOC8}}
*On August 2, additional Covenant reinforcements arrive. The asteroid has cooled enough for the ship-building operation to be canceled. Alpha Company was cut off from their extraction craft, preventing escape, and causing the deaths of all of them.
*On the seventh day, additional Covenant reinforcements arrive. The asteroid has cooled enough for the ship-building operation to be rendered inoperative. Alpha Company is cut off from their extraction craft, preventing their escape. All 300 participating Spartans are killed.{{Ref/Reuse|GoOC8}}
*On July 30, the operation's results are reviewed aboard the {{UNSCShip|Point of No Return}}.{{Ref/Reuse|GoOC8}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Not all members of Alpha Company were killed in the battle. [[Carter-A259]], [[Emile-A239]], and [[Jun-A266]] served with [[Noble Team]] as of [[2552#August|August 2552]].
*The operation, along with [[Operation: TORPEDO]], is an obvious allusion to the [[Wikipedia:Battle of Thermopylae|Battle of Thermopylae]]. 300 Spartans were present at both battles, both were suicide missions, both were fought in order to slow the enemy down enough for the respective sides to prepare and survive longer, and both resulted in the deaths of nearly all Spartan combatants.
*The operation is an obvious allusion to the [[Wikipedia:Battle of Thermopylae|Battle of Thermopylae]]. 300 Spartans were present at both battles, both were suicide missions, both were fought in order to slow the enemy down enough for the respective sides to prepare and survive longer, and both resulted the deaths of all Spartan combatants.
*The operation was likely named for [[Wikipedia:Prometheus|Prometheus]] of ancient Greek mythology, a Titan and champion of mankind who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to humanity.
*The operation was likely named for [[wikipedia:Prometheus|Prometheus]] of ancient Greek mythology, a Titan and champion of mankind who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to humanity.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HM-SIIIs.png|Spartan-IIIs assaulting one of the reactors.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Lessons Learned]]'' {{Im}}
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Human-Covenant War}}
{{Human-Covenant War}}
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Battles of the Human-Covenant War|PROMETHEUS]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:UNSC victories|PROMETHEUS]]
[[Category:Human-Covenant War|K7-49]]
[[Category:Operations|PROMETHEUS]]
[[Category:UNSC Victories]]

Latest revision as of 02:52, May 2, 2024

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Previous:

Next:

Siege of the Atlas Moons

Operation: PROMETHEUS
Alpha Company Spartan-IIIs fighting on K7-49 during Operation: PROMETHEUS.

Conflict:

Human-Covenant War

Date:

July 27 - before July 30, 2537[1][Note 1]

Location:

K7-49

Outcome:

Pyrrhic UNSC victory

  • All participating Spartans killed
  • Covenant shipyard destroyed
Details
Belligerents

United Nations Space Command

Covenant

Commanders

Unknown

Unknown

Strength
Casualties

All participating members of Alpha Company

Heavy

 

Operation: PROMETHEUS was a high-risk mission ordered by the Office of Naval Intelligence that took place between July 27 and August 2, 2537. The operation saw the deployment of 300 Spartan-IIIs from Alpha Company to K7-49, an asteroid which served as a Covenant shipyard, in order to disrupt the enemy's operations there. The mission ended in a Pyrrhic victory: though the facility was disabled, all 300 Spartans were killed.

Prelude[edit]

K7-49 was discovered when the prowler UNSC Razor's Edge managed to attach a telemetry probe to an enemy ship during the Battle of New Harmony. The UNSC discovered the asteroid after the ship's return there along with a dozen partially constructed Covenant ships and an orbital shipyard. The asteroid's apparent volcanism was artificial; it was created by thirty high-output plasma reactors that liquefied metallurgical components. These were then refined, shaped, and shipped away for final assembly.[2]

The Office of Naval Intelligence deployed the entirety of SPARTAN-III Alpha Company to the asteroid. The Spartans' mission was to disable as many reactors as possible so the liquid contents of the facility would solidify and permanently clog the machines, ruining the Covenant's capacity to produce the ship components.

The operation[edit]

Cropped artwork of Alpha Company Spartan-IIIs fighting on K7-49 during Operation: PROMETHEUS.
A Spartan-III leaps at a Sangheili Minor with combat knife in hand.

At 0700 on July 27, 2537, 300 Spartan-IIIs landed on the asteroid. Initial resistance to the Spartans was light, and after two days, seven reactors had been deactivated before the Covenant organized a proper counterforce. The counterattacks were neutralized and, over the next three days, Alpha Company destroyed 13 more reactors.[1]

However, the Covenant soon arranged a massive counterforce, with the Spartans trading fire with Sangheili and ground attack craft. More Covenant reinforcements arrived on August 2. The Spartans lost their unit cohesion in the battle, while the Sangheili took up superior positions with good cover. By then, 89% of the asteroid had cooled, enough to render the shipyard inoperative. The Spartans were cut off from their Calypso-class exfiltration craft, preventing them from escaping. Ultimately, all 300 Spartans were killed.[3]

Aftermath[edit]

Although the mission was a success and the K7-49 shipyard was disabled, the Spartans sustained 100% fatalities. Other than a small number of Spartans transferred to other units prior to the operation, these losses ended Alpha Company as an active fighting force. According to Lieutenant Commander Kurt Ambrose, the leader of the Spartan-IIIs, failure would have resulted in the destruction of all of humanity's Orion-side colonies.[4]

Timeline[edit]

  • On July 27, at 0700, 300 Spartan-IIIs land on K7-49.[1]
  • Two days later, seven reactors have been disabled. A counterforce is assembled by the Covenant.[1]
  • The Covenant force is neutralized. Over the next three days, 13 more reactors are destroyed. Another, larger force attack force is sent by the Covenant.[1]
  • On the seventh day, additional Covenant reinforcements arrive. The asteroid has cooled enough for the ship-building operation to be rendered inoperative. Alpha Company is cut off from their extraction craft, preventing their escape. All 300 participating Spartans are killed.[1]
  • On July 30, the operation's results are reviewed aboard the UNSC Point of No Return.[1]

Trivia[edit]

  • The operation, along with Operation: TORPEDO, is an obvious allusion to the Battle of Thermopylae. 300 Spartans were present at both battles, both were suicide missions, both were fought in order to slow the enemy down enough for the respective sides to prepare and survive longer, and both resulted in the deaths of nearly all Spartan combatants.
  • The operation was likely named for Prometheus of ancient Greek mythology, a Titan and champion of mankind who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to humanity.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx notes that PROMETHEUS began at 0700 hours on July 27, and that at least seven days passed over the course of the operation. However, the meeting reviewing PROMETHEUS' performance took place on July 30, which took place only three days later.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 8
  2. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 8, page 83
  3. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 8, page 86
  4. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 8, page 341