Darłowo 2007-10-12
2nd Naval Aviation Squadron in Darłowo. 1962-1995.
History
28th Rescue Squadron in Darłowo. 1962.
The advantages of aircraft such as helicopters in the Polish Army have been noticed for 50 years. It was found that they are excellent as a means of searching and rescuing survivors at sea. The appearance of the Mil Mi-1 helicopter in series production at CCCP created real opportunities to introduce the helicopters to service in the Polish People's Army (LWP).
In accordance with the order of the Chief of the General Staff of September 20, 1962, the 28th Rescue Squadron was formed at the airport in Darłowo on December 25, 1962. The squadron was created as part of the PMW (Polish Navy) air maritime rescue system. Initially, the squadron was equipped with SM-1 and SM-2 helicopters, which were licensed Mil Mi-1 helicopters produced at PZL Świdnik.
In 1965, a group of ZOP (anti-submarine warfare) helicopters was established in the 28th Rescue Squadron, armed with four Mil Mi-4 ME helicopters purchased from CCCP. The following year, the squadron received the first An-2 patrol and rescue aircraft, and later PZL Mi-2 RM rescue helicopters.
16th Special Aviation Regiment in Darłowo. 1983.
Serious changes in Darłowo took place in the early 1980s. The first six ZOP Mi-14 PŁ helicopters arrived in Darłowo on June 1, 1981. A further six aircraft were delivered on 29 October 1983. Four Mi-14 PS rescue helicopters landed in Darłowo on February 27, 1984. Earlier, all SM-1/2 and Mi-4 helicopters were withdrawn from service.
Due to the large increase in the number of aircraft in Darłowo, the commander of the PMW (Polish Navy) ordered, on December 1, 1983, to reform the 28th Rescue Squadron into the 16th Special Aviation Regiment. The newly established regiment had two air squadrons: anti-submarine and rescue. The supply, communications and flight insurance subunits were developed into full-time battalions.
16th Special Aviation Regiment in Darłowo. 1988.
As part of the Navy aviation reform, on July 1, 1988, the 16th Special Aviation Regiment was disbanded in Darłowo. Its subunits became part of the existing 7th Special Aviation Regiment in Siemirowice. This organizational situation lasted until April 1, 1991, when the 40th Anti-Submarine and Rescue Helicopter Squadron was established in Darłowo.
40th Anti-Submarine Squadron. 1991.
All helicopters were included in the new 40th Squadron, and all An-2 planes were left in the 7th Special Aviation Regiment in Siemirowice. The new unit, despite the formal status of a squadron, retained well-developed security battalions (suitable for a regiment).
In 1994, the 40th Naval Anti-Submarine and Rescue Helicopter Squadron in Darłówko consisted of, among others: Anti-submarine helicopter units. Rescue helicopter keys. Technical key. Communications and Flight Insurance Battalion. Supply Battalion. The 40th Squadron, on January 1, 1995, had 19 helicopters in its service: 6 PZL-Świdnik Mi-2 RM rescue helicopters, 10 Mi-14 PŁ anti-submarine helicopters (including 1 Mi-14 PX adapted for rescue operations ), 3 Mi-14 PS rescue helicopters. The tasks of the 40th Squadron are precisely defined by its full name. In the following years, the Mi-2 RM rescue helicopters, and later the heavy Mi-14 PS, were replaced by W-3 RM Anakonda rescue helicopters. The 40th Squadron was also the base for rescue helicopters on the west coast of the Baltic Sea (Dziwnów and Goleniów).
At that time, the plan was to withdraw ZOP Mi-14 PŁ helicopters from service. It was possible to replace them with new Polish ZOP Alligator helicopters based on the W-3 Sokół/Anakonda helicopter. However, new ZOP Alligator helicopters have not been ordered and built.
The 40th Squadron was stationed at the airport in Darłowo. At that time, the airport was a class V (fifth class) airport. The main runway (RWY) was less than 900 m long. As the 40th Squadron only had helicopters, a longer runway was not needed. RWY could use PZL An-2 or PZL An-28 light transport aircraft.
The ZOP helicopters of the 40th Squadron had as their emblem a black alligator carrying two bombs, and the rescue helicopters had a Maltese cross and a dolphin with a rescue ring.
In 1994, the 40th Anti-Submarine and Rescue Squadron was renamed the 2nd Naval Air Squadron.
Commanders of the 40th Squadron:
Cmdr pilot Roman Morawiec - 1991 - 1994. Cmdr. pilot Wiesław Kusalewicz - 1994.
2nd Naval Aviation Squadron in Darłowo. 1994.
On July 1, 1997, the Darłowo squadron had the following helicopters: 3 Mi-14 PS rescue helicopters, 6 Mi-2 RM multi-role helicopters, 10 Mi-14 PŁ anti-submarine helicopters.
Changes in Naval Aviation after 1995.
In 1994, the Naval Aviation Brigade was formed. It gathered under its command all flying units and airfields subordinated to the Navy. The history of the Brigade is described in another chapter.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman