Poznań 2019-06-17
31st Air Base in Krzesiny.
2001-2008.
Until 2000, the 3rd Fighter Aviation Regiment was stationed at Krzesiny Airport and operated MiG-21 aircraft. In 1999, the 17th Aviation Squadron from Ławica Airport was incorporated into the Regiment. On January 1, 2001, the 3rd Regiment was transformed into the 31st Air Base (JW. 1156) and the 3rd Tactical Aviation Squadron "Poznań". In 2006, the 6th Tactical Aviation Squadron from Powidz Airport was transferred to Krzesiny Airport.
In 2003, Poland concluded a contract to acquire 48 Lockheed Martin F-16 multi-role aircraft. The Polish Army decided that three squadrons would be created from these aircraft: the 3rd Squadron in Krzesiny, the 6th Squadron in Powidz and the 10th Squadron in Łask. Ultimately, the 3rd Squadron and the 6th Squadron were located in Krzesiny. Powidz airport was intended for transport aviation.
In 2008, the 31st Air Base was transformed into the 31st Tactical Air Base and the 3rd Squadron and 6th Squadron were included in it. These changes were made on the basis of the decision of the Minister of National Defense No. PF -/Org/SSG/ZoiU P-1 of January 11, 2008, and the order of the Air Force Commander No. Z-10 of January 21, 2008, and the order of the commander of the 2nd Brigade Tactical Aviation No. Z-6 of January 24, 2008.
Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft began to be delivered to Poland in November 2006. The planes were delivered by direct flight from the USA to Europe (USAF base in Germany), using air refueling. After the last technical inspection, the planes were moved to Krzesiny Airport. Initially, Polish pilots were trained in the USA.
Traditions of the 31st Air Base: 2nd Greater Poland Air Squadron (1919 – 1920), 4th Greater Poland Aviation Squadron (1919 – 1920), 13th Fighter Squadron (1920 – 1925), 15th Fighter Squadron (1920 – 1925), 111th Fighter Squadron (1925 – 1928), 112th Fighter Squadron (1925 - 1928), 131st and 132nd Fighter Squadron from the 3rd Aviation Regiment (1928 - 1939), 2nd Fighter Squadron "Kraków-Poznański" (Polish Air Force in France, 1940), 302nd Fighter Squadron ( Polish Air Force in Great Britain, 1940 - 1947), 62nd Fighter Aviation Regiment (1954 - 1995), 3rd Fighter Aviation Regiment "Poznań" (1995 - 2000), 3rd Tactical Aviation Squadron (2000 - 2008), 6th Fighter Aviation Regiment Bomber Command (1982 – 1998), 6th Tactical Aviation Squadron (2000 – 2008), 31st Air Base (2000 – 2008).
The 31st Base Day is celebrated on September 4. In 2011, the unit's identification badge was introduced. In 2012, the branch received a banner.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman