During the Galactic Civil War, Saw Gerrera's Partisans utilized a squadron known as the Cavern Angels, which consisted of X-wing starfighters alongside U-wings. Before 5 BBY, Gerrera and his partisans initiated the formation of this group by stealing several T-65 X-wings from an Incom Corporation warehouse located on Fresia. Later, the group expanded with the addition of U-wing support craft, which Gerrera modified to include heavy weaponry and bomb racks; due to the Partisans' habit of hiding in mines and caves, they were affectionately called the "Cavern Angels".
Due to scarcity in replacement components, usually only one or two starfighters could be used at any given time. The group, despite challenges like having few astromech droids, accompanied the Partisans as they frequently moved to new locations throughout the galaxy. By 5 BBY, they had set up base in an abandoned mine on Segra Milo. Luthen Rael, the leader of the Axis network, visited them there and requested air support for an upcoming attack on an Imperial power station situated in Spellhaus, but Gerrera refused. Eventually, passing trader starships noticed the group, and they informed the Galactic Empire, who then sent Department of Imperial Justice patrols, including Cantwell-class Arrestor Cruisers, to patrol above the planet.
This unwanted attention forced the Partisans to move again, this time to the Catacombs of Cadera within Jedha City. During the Partisan uprising on Jedha, at least one X-wing was destroyed, crashing in the streets of Jedha City. When the Imperials commenced a major combat deployment during the Jedha insurgency, four X-wings launched a counterattack. Three were shot down, and the remaining one was pursued into the wilderness by six TIE fighters.