Modlin 2008-01-17
38th Fighter Aviation Regiment. 1956–1963.
38th Aviation Training Regiment (Training and Combat). 1974–1988.
History of the 38th Air Force Regiment. 1956.
In April 1952, the first post-war mobilization plan, “PM 1,” was adopted. It included the establishment of the 38th Reserve Air Force Regiment in Zamość.
On April 30, 1956, the Chief of the Polish Army General Staff ordered the Commander of the Air Force and National Anti-Aircraft Defense to form the 38th Air Force Regiment as Unit 5401 at the Powidz airport by October 1, 1956. This was based on Order No. 074/Org. In July 1957, the 38th Air Force Regiment was subordinated to the 3rd National Anti-Aircraft Defense Corps. In 1960, the 3rd Air Defense Corps, with headquarters in Wrocław, included the 3rd Air Force in Wrocław, the 38th Air Defense Corps in Powidz, the 45th Air Defense Corps in Babimost, and the 62nd Air Defense Corps in Krzesiny. Additionally, the 3rd Corps included the 44th Liaison Aviation Squadron (Wrocław), the 14th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Wrocław), the 98th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Poznań), and the 18th (Poznań-Ławica) and 22nd (Wrocław-Strachowice) Radio Engineering Battalions.
This arrangement, however, did not last long. The 38th Air Force Regiment was relocated to Modlin, and the Higher School of Pilots was established there. Formally, the 38th Air Force Regiment was disbanded in June 1958, but due to the “W” situation, the Regiment remained on the list until 1963. This transformation of the 38th Air Force Regiment into the Higher School of Pilots was closely linked to the introduction of modern MiG-19 fighters into the Polish Air Force’s inventory. It was necessary to create a facility where experienced pilots could become familiar with the new equipment. Modlin’s proximity to Warsaw also favored this solution.
Thus, in June 1958, the Higher School of Pilots was established in Modlin, which was renamed the Aviation Training Center in 1960. The name changed, but the unit’s functions remained unchanged. From 1962, the unit familiarized pilots with the new MiG-21 F-13 fighters and their subsequent versions. 38th Aviation Training Regiment (LPSzk.) 1974.
In February 1974, the Aviation Training Center was no longer needed and was disbanded, and the 38th Aviation Training Regiment was re-established on its basis. This was based on Order No. 016/Org. of the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army dated February 19, 1974.
At the end of 1979, the 38th Aviation Training Regiment was re-formed into the 38th Aviation Training and Combat Regiment. Based on Order No. 064/Org. of the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army dated December 24, 1979.
Disbandment of the 38th Aviation Training Regiment-B. 1988.
Based on Order No. 046/Org. of the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army. On July 30, 1988, and the Order of the Commander of the Air Force No. 011/Org. on September 6, 1988, on December 31, 1988, the 38th Aviation Training and Combat Regiment was disbanded.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman