Lieutenant Pete Conroy serves as a combat bridge officer in the tactical division, piloting a Cosmo Zero fighter as leader of the Black Tiger Squadron under Susumu Kodai’s direct command during combat. He directs fighter squadron engagements and executes tactical maneuvers in space battles. When Earth’s government orders the decommissioning of the space battleship and crew dispersal, he participates in the unsanctioned takeover to launch a preemptive mission against the White Comet Empire, prioritizing the ship’s legacy and crew solidarity over official orders. During the final assault on the Comet Empire fortress, he sacrifices himself by ramming his fighter into the enemy structure, enabling the Yamato to penetrate the comet’s defenses. Following his death, narrative continuity introduces Shiro Kato, his previously unmentioned younger brother, who assumes an identical role and appearance in subsequent missions. This development arose from significant fan response to the character’s demise and the popularity of his original voice actor, leading creators to implement this solution to maintain the character’s presence. The surname commemorates World War II fighter squadron commander Tateo Kato, chosen due to a personal connection between the Kato family and the series’ producer. The character also appears in supplemental media like radio dramas and video game adaptations, without additional narrative development beyond his established role and fate.