Sweeper Group

The Sweeper Group was a space salvage organization that appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. Led by Mike Howard, the group operated as independent contractors recovering space debris, mobile suit wreckage, and other salvage throughout the Earth Sphere. During the Eve Wars, the Sweeper Group provided crucial assistance to the Gundam pilots, repairing mobile suits, offering safe havens, and facilitating covert operations. The group’s expertise in mobile suit technology, particularly through Howard’s background as a Tallgeese engineer, made them invaluable allies to the colonial cause.

Overview

The Sweeper Group represented the spacefaring working class—those who made their living cleaning up the debris of war and salvaging valuable materials from the void. Their independence from both Earth and colonial governments allowed them to operate freely, providing services to any who could pay whilst maintaining their own moral compass about whom they chose to help.

Organization

Leadership

Mike Howard served as the group’s leader. A former engineer who worked on the OZ-00MS Tallgeese project, Howard brought exceptional technical expertise to the organization. His past connection to the Gundam Scientists, particularly Professor G and Doctor J, positioned him as a key supporter of Operation Meteor.

Operations

The Sweeper Group operated throughout space, recovering:

Space debris
Mobile suit wreckage
Damaged vessels
Salvageable technology
Strategic materials

Their salvage operations provided both income and cover for their covert assistance to the Gundam pilots. The group’s network of salvage vessels and facilities gave them presence throughout the Earth Sphere without drawing suspicion.

Members

Beyond Howard, the Sweeper Group included numerous salvage operators and technicians. Duo Maxwell had particularly close ties to the group, having lived amongst salvagers before becoming a Gundam pilot. This connection made Howard’s group Duo’s primary support network during the Eve Wars.

Operations history

Pre-war operations

Before Operation Meteor, the Sweeper Group operated as legitimate salvage contractors, recovering debris and wreckage throughout the Earth Sphere. Howard’s technical expertise and reputation as a former Tallgeese engineer gave the group credibility with both Earth and colonial clients.

Eve Wars support (AC 195)

During the Eve Wars, the Sweeper Group provided extensive assistance to the Gundam pilots:

Mobile suit repairs:

Repaired the Gundam Deathscythe multiple times
Performed emergency maintenance on other Gundams
Salvaged parts from destroyed mobile suits for repairs

Safe havens:

Provided hiding places for pilots between missions
Offered resupply facilities away from OZ detection
Sheltered pilots during recuperation

Intelligence:

Monitored OZ movements through salvage operations
Identified strategic targets through debris analysis
Tracked military buildups by salvage patterns

Peacemillion operations:

Howard served as captain of the Peacemillion battleship
Provided workshop facilities for Gundam upgrades
Transformed Heavyarms → Heavyarms Custom
Transformed Sandrock → Sandrock Custom

Post-war operations

After the Eve Wars ended, the Sweeper Group presumably returned to legitimate salvage operations. Howard continued maintaining relationships with the former Gundam pilots, as evidenced by his involvement in retrieving the Gundams from their sun-disposal trajectory during the Mariemaia Incident.

Technology and expertise

The Sweeper Group possessed exceptional technical capabilities:

Engineering:

Howard’s Tallgeese engineering background
Mobile suit repair and upgrade expertise
Collaboration with Gundam Scientists

Salvage:

Space debris recovery techniques
Mobile suit wreckage analysis
Parts identification and refurbishment

Facilities:

Mobile workshop vessels
Parts storage and inventory systems
Repair bays capable of handling Gundams

Notable operations

Deathscythe Hell recovery

After the Gundam Deathscythe Hell was captured by OZ and later self-destructed, Howard and the Sweeper Group salvaged the wreckage, repaired the Gundam, and returned it to Duo Maxwell. This operation demonstrated both their technical skill and their commitment to the Gundam pilots.

Peacemillion deployment

Howard brought out the Peacemillion battleship during the Eve Wars, providing the Gundam pilots with a mobile base. This massive vessel, co-developed by Howard and Professor G, gave the pilots strategic mobility and workshop facilities for major upgrades.

Behind the scenes

The Sweeper Group served as a plot device representing the civilian support networks necessary for guerrilla warfare. Their expertise and resources enabled the Gundam pilots to continue operations despite lacking formal military infrastructure.

Howard’s character design, with his distinctive sunglasses and laid-back demeanour, contrasted with the series’ military characters whilst demonstrating that technical expertise could be as valuable as combat skill.

Appearances

The Sweeper Group appeared in:

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (TV series)
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz (OVA)
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers (manga)

External links

Sweeper Group on the Gundam Wiki (via Howard article)