Zegrze Pomorskie 2008-01-03
9th Tactical Air Squadron and 24th Air Base.
Commemorative badge of the 9th Air Force Regiment from Zegrze Pomorskie. It was based on the badge in use until 1995. The revised design takes into account the requirements specified in the Act of February 19, 1993, on the insignia of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland.
9th ELT and 24th Air Base.
After Poland joined NATO, as part of the adjustment of military structures, the 9th Tactical Air Squadron and the 24th Air Base were separated from the Regiment. This occurred on December 31, 2000. The new units adopted the traditions of the 9th Air Force Regiment. By 2000, only 400 soldiers and 200 civilian employees remained in Zegrze Pomorskie. The history of the 9th ELT is very short, encompassing two years: from December 31, 2000, to November 27, 2002.
In 2002, the unit celebrated its 50th anniversary in Zegrze Pomorskie. During its half-century of existence, its greatest success was its ability to effectively and safely train successive air units. It always performed the most difficult tasks assigned by its superiors with honor and pride,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jacek Krzyżanowski (commander of the 24th Air Base) on behalf of himself and Maj. Pilot Ryszard Raczyński (commander of the 9th ELT). Both officers were the official hosts of the unit’s 50th anniversary in Zegrze Pomorskie, which was celebrated on April 5, 2002. The celebrations began with an anniversary mass, followed by a ceremonial gathering of both units. Also in attendance were invited guests: representatives of the Polish Air Force and allied units, authorities of nearby towns and municipalities, and Senator Andrzej Niski of the Koszalin region. Above all, however, it was a celebration of the numerous former and still active soldiers and civilian employees of the 26th Airborne Regiment and 9th Airborne Regiment. It was with them in mind—people who often spent many years of their lives at the Zegrze Pomorskie airport—that the garrison club prepared a verbal and visual presentation, full of memories, recalling the most important events and facts from the unit’s history. The club also hosted a special exhibition of photographs depicting the regiment’s operations from 1953 to the current life of both units. The second exhibition was organized by Reserve Major Zenon Glinkowski. It featured a variety of flying aircraft models, including those flown by the Zegrze Pomorskie pilots. To mark this unusual occasion, both units prepared commemorative badges, which were presented at a meeting with their commanders to soldiers and employees with 30 years of service, as well as to individuals and institutions who had made distinguished contributions to the garrison. A special group of invited guests included the former commanders of the 26th Airborne Regiment and 9th Airborne Regiment – Col. Czesław Bil, Col. Bogusław Wasilewski, Cdr. Wojciech Górski, Brig. Gen. Zbigniew Bielewicz, Col. Piotr Luśnia, and Lt. Col. Sławomir Kałuziński. In addition to commemorative badges, they were honored with special letters of commendation.
The commander of the 9th Airborne Regiment, Maj. Ryszard Raczyński, and the commander of the 24th Airborne Flight, Lt. Col. Jacek Krzyżanowski, were awarded a melee weapon with a dedication. The swords were presented on behalf of the commander by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Col. Ryszard Wilantewicz. As noted by those participating in the unit’s 50th anniversary celebration in Zegrze Pomorskie, the anniversary was celebrated with great solemnity. More importantly, however, there was an extremely warm and friendly atmosphere throughout the day, allowing one to feel the bonds between people who had worked in Zegrze for many years and whose work had built the shape and image of the 26th PLM and 9th PLM.
Disbandment of the 9th ELT. 2002.
Whatever you write, the 50th anniversary celebration of the aviation unit in Zegrze Pomorskie was a sad one. The history of the aviation unit had come to an end. It was already clear that due to a lack of new aircraft, the unit would cease to exist. Soldiers were already looking for vacancies at other airfields. On November 27, 2002, the 9th ELT was disbanded. Only a dozen or so personnel remained in the unit, providing security for the entire unit. The MiG-21 aircraft from Zegrze Pomorskie were transferred to other Squadrons, where they completed their service life.
And the airfield? Well. It’s waiting for its second chance, which has yet to come.
Commanders and acting commanders of the unit; 9th PLM in Zegrze Pomorskie: – Lieutenant Colonel, Dipl. Pilot Zbigniew Bielewicz (February 18, 1989 – October 14, 1991), – Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Piotr Luśnia (October 14, 1991 – January 19, 1997), – Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Sławomir Kałuziński (January 19, 1997 – December 31, 2000).
9th ELT: – Major Pilot Ryszard Raczyński (December 31, 2002 – December 2003).
24th Blot: – Lieutenant Colonel Jacek Krzyżanowski (December 31, 2002 – December 2003).
Written by Karol Placha Hetman