Świdwin 2013-07-26
Airport in Świdwin. 2013 year.
Geographic coordinates: 53.791N 15.826E.
1960s.
In 1960, the 2nd Central Fighter Aviation Championship of WL and OPL OK was organized. The second place was won individually by pilot Ryszard Kociołowicz from the 40th PLM in Świdwin. This fact testifies to the systematic increase in the level of training of pilots and the growing combat value of the entire Regiment.
In 1960, the air-technical battalions were incorporated into the regimental structure and renamed supply battalions.
At the end of 1960, the composition and dislocation of the 11th DLM units was as follows: Command of the 11th Fighter Aviation Division – JW 3316 Świdwin. 4th Fighter Aviation Regiment "Kraków" – Military Unit 1452 Goleniów (status 6/358). 40th Fighter Aviation Regiment – JW 1958 Świdwin (status 6/359). 76th communications company – Świdwin. 19th radio engineering company – Świdwin. 36th Supply Battalion – Military Unit 1570 Goleniów (status 6/472). 9th Supply Battalion – Military Unit 3829 Świdwin (status 6/471). 47. Mobile Aviation Repair Workshops – Military Unit 4496 Świdwin. Aircraft training ground No. 6 – Podborsk.
In 1963, the 11th DLM changed its name to the 5th Brandenburg Fighter Division, taking over the traditions of the defunct 3rd Brandenburg Fighter Division. It happened on the basis of Order of the Ministry of National Defense No. 55/Org. of October 7, 1963. Part of the Division, the 4th PLM and 40th PLM did not change their names.
Already in 1964, the first part of the flying and technical personnel was trained on the new type of MiG-21 fighter. In September 1964, the first MiG-21 F-13 aircraft were delivered from Modlin to Świdwin. Probably 5 machines, but possibly only 4, which is one key. In May 1965, the 40th PLM received at least one MiG-21 U 66-400 training and combat aircraft. In 1965, each of both Regiments of the Division received one squadron of MiG-21 PF aircraft, i.e. fighters equipped with radar sights. The 40th PLM probably received about 15 MiG-21 PF machines. On February 4, 1966, 10 MiG-21 PFM flew to 40. PLM, and on January 23, 1967, 12 MiG-21 PFM aircraft. This number of MiG-21 aircraft allowed the Regiment to be completely rearmed with MiG-21 PF / PFM aircraft and giving MiG-21 F-13, Lim-5 / P aircraft to other regiments. In total, 44 MiG-21 aircraft passed through the Regiment.
Known MiG-21 aircraft used in the 40th PLM in Świdwin:
1 F-13 812 / 74812 September 1962 In September 1964 the aircraft was delivered to 40 PLM in Świdwin. 2 F-13 813 / 74813 September 1962 In September 1964 the aircraft was delivered to 40 PLM in Świdwin. 3 F-13 814 / 74814 September 1962 In September 1964 the aircraft was delivered to 40 PLM in Świdwin. 4 F-13 9050905 / 740905 1963. Used in 40 PLM (May 11, 1971, there was a collision with MiG-21 U nb 1219). 5 F-13 Used in 40 PLM. in 1965 there was a catastrophe in which the pilot Lieutenant Cyril Królewski died. The vicinity of Chlebówek. 6 PF 1713 / 761713 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 7 PF 1808 / 761808 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 8 PF 1809 / 761809 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 9 PF 1810 / 761810 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 10 PF 1811 / 761811 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 11 PF 1812 / 761812 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 12 PF 1813 / 761813 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 13 PF 1815 / 761815 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 14 PF 1903 / 761903 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 15 PF 1904 / 761904 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 16 PF 1911 / 761911 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 17 PF 1913 / 761913 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 18 PF 2003 / 762003 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 19 PF 2004 / 762004 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. After the end of service, it was transferred to the museum in Czyżyny (2002-2011). 20 PF 2005 / 762005 June 1965 From June 1965 in stock 40 PLM in Świdwin. 21 U 66-400 1219 / 161219 May 1965 Used in 40 PLM (May 11, 1971, collision with MiG-21 F-13 nb 0905). 22 PFM 01 / 94 ML-01 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. After the end of operation in the museum in Czyżyny (2002). 23 PFM 02 / 94 ML-02 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 24 PFM 03 / 94 ML-03 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 25 PFM 04 / 94 ML-04 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 26 PFM 05 / 94 ML-05 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 27 PFM 06 / 94 ML-06 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 28 PFM 07 / 94 ML-07 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. Used in 40 PLM (January 23, 1968, accident?). 29 PFM 08 / 94 ML-08 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 30 PFM 09 / 94 ML-09 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 31 PFM 10 / 94 ML-10 February 4, 1966 From February 1966 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 32 PFM 4909 / 94 A 4909 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 33 PFM 4910 / 94A 4910 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 34 PFM 4911 / 94 A 4911 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 35 PFM 4912 / 94A 4912 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 36 PFM 4913 / 94 A 4913 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 36 PFM 4914 / 94 A 4914 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 38 PFM 4915 / 94 A 4915 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 39 PFM 5001 / 94 A 5001 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 40 PFM 5002 / 94 A 5002 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 41 PFM 5003 / 94 A 5003 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 42 PFM 5004 / 94 A 5004 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 43 PFM 5005 / 94 A 5005 January 23, 1967 From January 1967 in 40 PLM in Świdwin. 44 PFM 022 / 94 A 0022 1968. Used in 40 PLM Świdwin.
At the end of 1965, by order of the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army No. 0133/Org. of December 22, 1965, the 26th flight command squadron was formed – JW 1241 Goleniów at 6/469 FTE and the 38th flight command squadron – JW 1378 Świdwin at 6/469 FTE. But already at the end of March 1966, the flight command squadrons were incorporated into the divisional regiments.
In 1967, the composition and dislocation of units of the 5th Brandenburg DLM: Command of the 5th Brandenburg Fighter Aviation Division – JW 3316 Świdwin. 76 communications company – Świdwin. 19 radio engineering company – Świdwin. 4th Fighter Aviation Regiment "Kraków" – JW 1452 Goleniów. 36th Supply Battalion – Military Unit 1570 Goleniów. 26th Flight Command Squadron – JW 1241 Goleniów. 40th Fighter Aviation Regiment – JW 1958 Świdwin. 9th Supply Battalion – Military Unit 3829 Świdwin. 38th Flight Command Squadron – JW 1378 Świdwin. 47 Mobile Aviation Repair Workshops – Military Unit 4496 Świdwin. Aircraft training ground No. 6 – Podborsk.
In 1967, the name of the unit was changed in connection with the adoption of the combat traditions of the predecessor of the 3rd DLM from the period of World War II by Order of the Ministry of National Defense No. 07 / Org. of May 4, 1967. The division was named the 3rd Brandenburg Fighter Aviation Division. Since then, the number "3" has appeared in the name of the Division for many years.
For the 40th PLM, the mid-60s mean a constant increase in the level of training of pilots and technicians. The regiment mastered the use of DOL, which was not an easy task for supersonic fighter pilots.
Not much is known about the service in the 40th PLM at that time. It was a time when everything related to the military was top secret, and only soldiers or recruits entered the gates of military units. Civilians were not allowed. There were signs everywhere prohibiting photography. Besides, it was forbidden to photograph railway stations, and even bridges and viaducts. Accidents in the military have always happened. But at that time, these events were particularly carefully hidden from the public. Even the families of the fallen soldiers did not know the circumstances of death. The corpse was placed in an additional metal coffin, without the right to be opened.
70s of the 20th century.
Less than 4 years have passed, and there have already been other important changes for the Division and who knows if not the most important. In accordance with the order of the Chief of the General Staff No. 012 / Org of March 6, 1971, the 3rd Brandenburg Fighter Aviation Division was transformed into the 3rd Brandenburg Assault Division (Fighter-Assault Division). The change was huge, because it involved performing completely different tasks. Today, it is not very clear what led to such a decision. Although undoubtedly, the tense socio-economic situation of Poland (1970) had its echo here. On the other hand, the military motive could have been the official introduction of nuclear (atomic) weapons into our country by the Russians. Official did not mean generally known. On the contrary, top secret. The problem is that the Russians have been holding the means of a nuclear attack in their bases in Poland for years, without even revealing it to the Polish authorities.
4 PLM from Goleniów remained a fighter unit, but left the structures of the Division. In place of the 4th PLM, the division took under the orders of the 8th PLSz from Mirosławiec and the 32nd PLRTiA from Sochaczew. All this was done on the basis of the Order of the Chief of the General Staff of the Air Force No. 03/Org. Of March 27, 1971, on the change of subordination of regiments.
The 40 PLM-Sz unit had to get rid of its MiG-21 PF / PFM. In their place, it adopted the Lim-6 bis attack aircraft. At that time, Polish Military Aviation has 153 Lim-6 bis attack aircraft in service, and they were mainly in stock: 6 PLSz in Piła, 8 PLSz in Mirosławiec, 40 PLSz in Świdwin and 45 PLSz in Babimost. The changes in Świdwin are particularly drastic. Together with the MiG-21 PF / PFM aircraft, a large group of pilots leave Świdwin, transferring to fighter regiments. Their place was taken by younger pilots who had just started their aviation careers.
In the years 1971-1972, the Division developed new forms of command and coordination of individual units. The more so that the newly subordinated units were at a considerable distance from Świdwin. The division had to develop new forms of operation in reconnaissance tasks, and in particular be able to effectively use the newly acquired MiG-21 R aircraft, which were based in Sochaczew. The effective use of Lim-6 bis attack aircraft has been improved. In the communist reality of the 1970s, the Division was successful to measure the times. The division won the title of Master of Economy. On May 9, 1975, the division was awarded the Order of the Banner of Labor, 1st class.
1980s.
On February 23, 1982, the Air Force Command issued order No. 06. On its basis, the 3rd Brandenburg Assault and Reconnaissance Aviation Division was renamed the 3rd Fighter-Bomber Aviation Division. At the same time, it took over the direct subordination of the 3rd Fighter-Bomber Regiment from Bydgoszcz with Su-7 aircraft, which until then had been directly subordinated to the Air Force Command. The 3rd Fighter-Bomber Division consisted of: 3rd PLM-B Bydgoszcz. 8. PLM-B Miroslawiec. 40. PLM-B Świdwin and supporting units. The division functioned in this form in the period 1984-1989.
On November 23, 1982, the 40th Regiment was renamed the 40th PLM-B. This was related to the planned adoption of Su-22 M 4 fighter-bombers by the Polish Aviation. The time has come for another major change.
At the end of the 70s, there was a need to replace the equipment. The Lim-6 bis / MR aircraft no longer met the needs of the army. Since the only market from which we could obtain new aircraft was CCCP, the choice was small. The Soviets offered to buy the MiG-23 BM or Su-22 M 3. The latter plane was closer to us. Economically justified and continuing the line of Su-7, Su-20 machines, well known in Poland.
However, in 1982, the decision on the part of Poland was not made. We were waiting for a better equipped plane, i.e. the Su-22 M 4. The difference was small, but significant. Not to go into details, it was about long-distance navigation. In 1983, the Soviets agreed to issue this version of the aircraft for export, and the Polish side placed an order for 80 Su-22 M 4 aircraft and 20 Su-22 UM 3 K aircraft, for two fighter-bomber regiments and two squadrons of the 7. BLR-B (Bomber Reconnaissance Aviation Brigades). In 1986, 10 Su-22 M 4 aircraft were ordered to equip the third regiment with this type of machines (8 from Mirosławiec) in place of two squadrons of 7 BLB-R (the remaining Su-20s). Thus, for retooling were selected; 6. PLM-B from Piła, 8. PLM-B from Mirosławiec and 40. PLM-B from Świdwin.
Since 1982, the airport in Świdwin has been modernized to adopt the new technology. The runway (RWY) was renovated. The taxiways and the central aircraft parking area (CPPS) were renovated. New deployment zones with shelter hangars were built. New MPS depot and facilities for radio engineering equipment.
In 1984, the group of pilots and technicians to be trained for Su-22 aircraft began to be assembled. In April 1984, this group was sent to Krasnodar at the CCCP, where theoretical and practical training was carried out. The soldiers returned to Poland in July 1984.
The planes were delivered to Powidz in boxes on board transport planes. There, Soviet technicians assembled them, and Soviet pilots made their first flights. The Soviet factory group was led by Alexander Kachegarov. Only after the test flights, the planes were handed over to the Polish side. Capt. Andrzej Rujner, who was authorized by the Minister of Foreign Trade. The planes were brand new and their service life was estimated at 20-25 years.
In August 1985, the 40th PLM-B from Świdwin received its first Su-22 aircraft. The aircraft entered the state of three squadrons. However, from the beginning of 1985, pilots from the 40th PLM-B underwent training using Su-22 M 4 aircraft belonging to the 6th PLM-B and the airport in Piła.
Polish pilots quickly mastered the piloting technique and in the first months of operation they performed take-offs and landings on DOL. Combat training was conducted at the training ground in Nadarzyce and at the naval training ground near Ustka. Particularly important was the training with the use of a new, so far not used in the Polish Army, p-z class guided armament (air-to-ground, air-to-water, and, according to the changed nomenclature, air-to-surface).
The final retooling process was completed in 1990, when the 40th Regiment achieved the ability to operate on the new equipment in all weather conditions, and all pilots achieved Class I or Master Class.
Known Su-22 M 4 and Su-22 UM 3 K aircraft used in the 40th PLM-B:
1 U 509 / 66509 Used in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 still active. 2 U 605 / 69605 1987. Used in 8 PLM-B in Mirosławiec. in 2007 in 40 ELT in Świdwin still active. 3 U 706 / 69706 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 still active. 4M 3612 / 37612 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 5M 3710 / 37710 1987 Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 6 M 3713 / 37713 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. The head of a white horse is painted on the hull. in 2009 active. 7M 3715 / 37715 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 8M 3816 / 37816 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 9 M 3817 / 37817 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 10M 3818 / 37818 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B in Świdwin. On April 4, 1995 during the flight near Nowa Wieś, the pilot caused a stall. Luckily it catapulted. The plane was crashed. 11 M 3819 / 37819 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 12M 3820 / 37820 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 13 M 8101 / 28101 1986. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 14 M 8309 / 28309 1986. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 15 M 8816 / 28816 1986. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. 40 ELT in Świdwin. in 2007 active. 16 M 8920 / 28920 1986. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. Active in 2007. 17 M 9102 / 29102 1987. Used in 40 PLM-B, and since 2000. in 40 ELT in Świdwin. Active in 2007. 18 M 9616 / 29616 1987. Used in 8 PLM-B (8 ELT) in Mirosławiec, temporarily in Powidz. Overhaul March 28, 2002 in 2009 open at 40 ELT.
90s of the twentieth century.
Since 1989, important social and economic changes have taken place in Poland. They were also reflected in the Air Force. There was a clear tendency to get rid of Soviet-made equipment and replace it with Polish and Western equipment.
In 1992, 3 PLM-B Bydgoszcz (Su-7 aircraft) was dismantled, and the 3rd Division continued training and tasks in the composition of two aviation regiments. Composition of the 3rd Fighter-Bomber Aviation Division: 8 PLM-B Mirosławiec, 40 PLM-B Świdwin, 86 communications battalion, 47 PWL Świdwin, 28 RWNS Świdwin.
The pursuit of the Republic of Poland to join NATO structures also influenced intensive organizational changes in the Air Force. On December 15, 1997, the 3rd Fighter-Bomber Division was practically deprived of most of its subordinate units, which were subordinated to the Command of the 2nd Air Defense Corps in Bydgoszcz. Only the 86th Signal Battalion remained of the 3rd Division.
On June 1, 1998, the last, solemn, farewell assembly of the 3rd Fighter-Bomber Aviation Division took place, with the participation of former commanders and soldiers. And on December 28, 1998, a report was submitted to the commander of the Liquidation Group of the 4th Air Corps in Poznań about the dismantling of the 3rd DLM-B and the 86th Communications Battalion.
In October 1998, the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade was created.
The 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade was created on the basis of the disbanded 3rd Fighter-Bomber Aviation Division. In accordance with the order of the WLOP Commander No. 5 of March 18, 1998, an Organizational Group was established to form the command and staff of the brigade, whose task from June 1, 1998 to September 30, 1998 was to develop the necessary planning and organizational documentation and prepare new jobs for the command and brigade staff. The actual formation of the 1st BLT took place on the basis of the Order of the Commander of the 2nd KOP No. 15 of March 31, 1998, which was issued on the basis of the order of the Commander of the WLOP No. 25 of March 18, 1998. Pursuant to the order of the Minister of National Defense No. 69 of November 24, 1997 and the order of the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces No. 017 of March 6, 1998, it was ordered to include the 2nd KOP – Command of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade into the combat composition, and to include: 8 PLM -B in Mirosławiec and 40 PLM-B in Świdwin, together with their subordinate supply battalions, communication and flight insurance battalions, anti-aircraft artillery batteries and alternate airfield commands. These units were actually incorporated into the Brigade from November 2 to November 12, 1998.
By decision of the Minister of National Defense No. 212 of July 15, 1998, the following officers were appointed to command positions of the 1st BLT: drink Pawel Jazieniecki. Deputy commander – head of training – Lt. Col. Dipl. drink Piotr Lusnia. Deputy Commander-Chief of Staff – Maj. Dipl. navigation Witold Antosik. Deputy Commander – Chief of Logistics – Lt. Col. Dipl. Eng. Richard Derenowski.
In the first year of operation (1999), the 1st BLT was improved and coordinated with commands and staffs in the field of combat and mobilization readiness. Officers of commands and staffs of brigade units were intensively trained in NATO procedures. The flying personnel of the 1st BLT participated in many tactical and combat exercises, such as: OCELOT – 99, DOL – 99, ZLOT – 99, tactical exercises with the 8th and 9th FOW MW, aviation training at the French Air Force base in St. Dizier.
In the new age.
On the basis of the WLOP Commander’s Order No. 0142 of August 23, 1999, regarding organizational changes in WLOP, the 8th and 40th PLM-B were disbanded and on their basis the 8th Tactical Aviation Squadron in Mirosławiec was formed. 39 Tactical Aviation Squadron in Świdwin. 40 Tactical Aviation Squadron in Świdwin. 11th Air Base in Świdwin with the command of the airport in Debrzno. 12th Air Base in Mirosławiec with the headquarters of the airport in Nowe Laski.
The 39th Tactical Aviation Squadron was established for two reasons. Firstly, because of the difference in the number of aircraft between a regiment (then 2 x 12 aircraft) and a squadron (16 aircraft). Secondly, the Piła Airport and 6 PLM-B with Su-22 aircraft have already been liquidated.
On September 30, 2000, at Plac Konstytucji 3 Maja in Świdwin, the ceremony of consecration and handing over the banner to the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade took place. The founder of the banner was the society of the Świdwin county and the Łobez land. The Holy Mass for the soldiers of the 1st BLT and army employees was celebrated by the Field Bishop of the Polish Army, Fr. Maj. Gen. Slawaj Leszek Glodz. The banner’s godparents were Mrs. Maria Kawka – the wife of the former commander of 40 PLM-B and Mr. Zdzisław Chojnacki, the staroste of the Świdwin poviat. The flag was presented on behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland by the Head of the National Security Bureau, Minister Marek Siwiec.
In November 2000, for obtaining the best results in training and official activities in 2000, the WLOP Commander awarded 1 BLT with a diploma of recognition.
However, in December 2000, due to the restructuring of WLOP units, there were further organizational changes in the Brigade. On the basis of the order of the WLOP Commander of November 28, 2000, the Brigade took into subordination: 1 Tactical Aviation Squadron – Mińsk Mazowiecki – commander – Major Dipl. drink Christopher Rosa. 9th Tactical Aviation Squadron – Zegrze Pomorskie – commander – Major Dipl. drink Richard Raczynski. 41st Tactical Aviation Squadron – Malbork – commander – major dr pil. Jan Rajchel. Thus, the 11th and 12th Air Base left the subordination of the 1st BLT and the Garrison Communications Hub was disbanded.
On February 9, 2001, based on the Decision of the Minister of National Defense No. 495 of December 22, 2000, the position of the brigade commander was taken over by Lt. Col. Dipl. drink Richard Hać. The outgoing commander, Col. drink Paweł Jazienicki was appointed to the position of the Deputy Chief of the Air Force of the WLOP.
In 2003, 39 ELTs were dismantled and, after three years of existence, were liquidated. The planes and personnel were distributed to other units of the Brigade. Also in 2003, 11 BLot was renumbered as 21 BLot.
The day of June 8, 2003 was a special day for the community of the Świdwin garrison. On that day, the Field Bishop of the Polish Army, Maj. Gen. Sławoj Leszek Głódź consecrated the Garrison Church under the invocation of the Ascension of the Lord.
In order to show the skills of the 1st BLT pilots and the possibilities of using aircraft, the Brigade’s separate forces took part, on August 30-31, 2003, at the military airport in Radom, in the International Air Show AIR SHOW 2003. For the first time, an air parade with the participation of MiG aircraft was conducted -29, Su-22 and MiG-21 and a dynamic show on the MiG-29 aircraft.
On October 20, 2007 (Saturday) on the Plac Konstytucji 3 Maja in Świdwin, the Minister of National Defense, Aleksander Szczygło, handed over a new banner to 40 ELTs. It was funded by the society of the City of Świdwin. The celebrations began with the Holy Mass celebrated in the Garrison Church by Fr. chaplain Major Jerzy Suchecki in the intention of soldiers and army employees of the 1st BLT. The flag-giving ceremony was attended by many guests. It was attended, among others, by the Minister of National Defense Aleksander Szczygło, the head of the National Security Bureau, Brigadier General Roman Polko, the commander of the Polish Air Force Lieutenant General Andrzej Błasik, the field bishop of the Polish Army, Major General Tadeusz Płoski and many others. After a solemn mass in the Garrison Church, the main ceremony began at Plac Konstytucji 3 Maja. The banner’s godparents were Barbara Targosz, the wife of the former commander of the air force, Brigadier General Stanisław Targosz, and reserve colonel Stefan Olesiejuk, an aviator who was one of the first to land in Świdwin in 1953. The idea of making a banner for 40 ELTs was born in 2000, but it was not until 2007 that it was implemented. For 7 years, the Squadron did not have its banner.
On January 23, 2008, the CASA C-295 M aircraft crashed while approaching to land at the Mirosławiec Airport. 20 soldiers were killed, including the commanders of the Polish Air Force. Most of them held important positions in the Mirosławiec and Świdwin Garrison. Honor their memory!
At the end of 2008, the Ministry of National Defense decided to transform the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade into the 1st Tactical Aviation Wing. This was related to the unification of the terminology used in NATO state units. Therefore, it was also necessary to develop new emblems and emblems. A competition for new emblems has been announced in the Świdwin Garrison. 8 competition entries were submitted for the competition. The competition was settled on November 25, 2008. The commission chaired by the Commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade, Brigadier General drink Stefana Rutkowski selected the best project. The winner of the competition for the badge and insignia of the 1st Tactical Air Wing was: Major Paweł Tyszkiewicz – brigade staff officer.
In 2008, in a difficult financial reality, one of the pilots of the 40th ELT managed to obtain an annual flight time of over 300 hours a year. It was a remarkable feat.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman