Świdwin 2015-07-27
Airport in Świdwin. 2015 year.
Geographic coordinates: 53.791N 15.826E.
2006 year.
On March 22, 2006, the official handover of the 23rd BLot from the 2nd Air Defense Corps in Bydgoszcz to the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade in Świdwin took place. The order in this case was issued on March 2, 2006. The commander of the 2nd KOP Brig. drink Tadeusz Kuziora, in short soldier words, thanked the command and staff of the 23rd BLot for their service so far. On the other hand, the Commander of the 1st BLT, Brig. drink Sławomir Dygnatowski stated that in his opinion the 23rd BLot will continue to present a high level of military training. To complete this information, it should be stated that it was a preparation for the disbandment of the 2nd Air Defense Corps in Bydgoszcz. Already on March 8, 2006, the 12th BLot moved from the 2nd Air Defense Corps in Bydgoszcz to the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade in Świdwin. On March 15, 2006, the 22nd BLot moved from the Air Defense Corps in Bydgoszcz to the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade in Świdwin. On March 17, 2006, the 14th buzl (airfield damage removal battalion, JW. 3271 in Elbląg) transferred from the 2nd Air Defense Corps in Bydgoszcz to the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade in Świdwin.
On May 27, 2006, an Aviation Picnic was organized at the Airport. The hosts were the 21st BLot and the 40th ELT. The event lasted from 10:00 to 17:00. In the program was; ground show of Su-22 aircraft, aviation equipment show, presentation of ultra-light structures, commercial and gastronomic stands, presentation of passenger cars by sellers. There was also a concert of the band ex BOLTER.
In 2006, the Świdwin Garrison took part in the great Polish exercises under the code name Anakonda 2006. Anakonda 2006 is the first tactical exercise in many years with components of all types of armed forces and elements of a non-military system in the field of conducting a combined defense operation. The units of the 1st BLT, as well as the staff took part in the tactical episodes of the SP component.
On November 7, 2006, by the decision of the Minister of National Defense, Col. drink Andrzej ANDRZEJEWSKI - took command of the 1st BLT. The ceremony of handing over command in the presence of superiors - Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Stanisław TARGOSZ and invited guests as well as staff of the 1st BLT took place at the airport.
On the day of the National Independence Day, November 11, 2006, at the request of the Minister of National Defense Radosław SIKORSKI, the President of the Republic of Poland - Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Lech KACZYŃSKI appointed 6 generals of the Polish Army to higher general ranks. Among those appointed to the rank of Brigadier General, Col. Dipl. drink Andrzej ANDRZEJEWSKI commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade. The Minister of National Defense awarded the appointees with a saber.
2007 year.
On January 25, 2007, the Field Bishop of the Polish Army, Maj. Gen. Tadeusz Płoski, giving the sacrament of confirmation. The ceremony was attended by: Commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade, Brig. drink Andrzej Andrzejewski, Commander of the 21st Blot. after. Lt. Col. Mariusz Ciećkowski, Commander of the 12th Blot. Col. pil. Jerzy Piłat, Commander of the 8th ELTr Lt. Col. drink Ireneusz Starzyński, Commander of the 40th ELT Lt. Col. pil. Wojciech Maniewski.
On April 26, 2007, at the Ustka training ground, Air Force exercises were held with the participation of aircraft and pilots from the 1st ELT, 8th ELT, 40th ELT (1st Tactical Aviation Brigade) and 7th ELT (2nd Tactical Aviation Brigade) . The organizer was the 1st BLT. Mainly, attacks were practiced with the help of the CPR. R-60 class p-p.
On May 16, 2007, during the Training and Methodology Course for the Air Force Managers of the Polish Armed Forces - ZLOT 07 in Kiekrz near Poznań, the Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. drink Andrzej Błasik presented the IKAR Statuettes to the most distinguished aviators of the air and ground personnel in the Polish Armed Forces. Among those honored was the Commander of the 1st BLT, Brig. drink Andrzej Andrzejewski.
From May 24, 2007, the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade together with its subordinate units took part in the ORZEŁ 07 exercise. The aim of the exercise was to prepare commands and troops to act as part of the Air Component in a joint defense operation on the territory of the country.
On June 7, 2007, at the Session of the City Council of Świdwin, chaired by the Mayor, Mr. Jan Owsiak, a resolution was adopted to fund a banner for the 40th ELT. The main founders were the inhabitants of the City of Świdwin.
On the occasion of the Polish Army Day in August 2007, the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Aleksander SZCZYGŁO, in recognition of his merits in the field of development and strengthening the defense of the Republic of Poland, awarded: GOLD MEDAL FOR MERIT FOR COUNTRY DEFENSE - Brigadier General Andrzej ANDRZEJEWSKI, Col. Eugeniusz GARDAS. SILVER MEDAL FOR MERIT FOR COUNTRY DEFENSE - Capt. Andrew Kaciełowicz. BRONZE MEDAL FOR MERIT FOR COUNTRY DEFENSE - Lieutenant Colonel Zdzisław CIEŚLIK. For long-term exemplary service or work in the Polish Army: GOLD MEDAL FOR THE ARMED FORCES IN THE SERVICE OF THE HOMELAND - Ms. Irena KRAMEK. SILVER MEDAL ARMED FORCES IN THE SERVICE OF THE HOMELAND - Lieutenant Colonel Jerzy GROMIŃSKI. BRONZE MEDAL FOR THE ARMED FORCES IN THE SERVICE OF THE HOMELAND - Mrs. Maria RUDOWICZ.
On August 27, 2007, at 18.30 a holy mass in the Garrison Church and then at 19.30 formation of units at Plac Lotników in Świdwin, the celebration of the Polish Aviation Day took place.
From 04.09.2007 to 14.09.2007, in the Norwegian base Oerland, exercises were held with the participation of aircraft and pilots from 40 ELTs. In the presence of the entire personnel of the Squadron, after returning to the country, Brig. drink Andrzej ANDRZEJEWSKI, presented the diploma to the squadron commander, Lt. Col. Pil. Wojciech MANIEWSKI. On the eve of handing over the flag to Eskadra (October 20, 2007) it is an excellent recommendation.
On September 17, 2007, on the anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland, a patriotic ceremony was held at the cemetery in Połczyn Zdrój, dedicated to the officers murdered by the NKVD in the spring of 1940. Major Wiesław GASEK read the Appeal of the Fallen at the symbolic monument of the "Katyn Cross", assisted by the honor guard and the banner of the 21st BLot from Świdwin and the banners of local schools and veterans' organizations. Ribbon of the Order of Virtuti Militari assisted by Col. drink Dariusz MACIĄGA, hung on the commemorative plaque of Brig. drink Andrzej ANDRZEJEWSKI. During the ceremony with the participation of parliamentarians, local authorities and residents of Połczyn Zdrój, a Holy Mass was also celebrated. It is important that a large group of young people from schools in Połczyn took part in this symbolic history lesson.
On October 12, 2007, at At 9:30 am, the celebration of the 9th anniversary of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade began with a holy mass in the garrison church.
On October 20, 2007 (Saturday), at the Plac Konstytucji 3 Maja in Świdwin, the Minister of National Defense Aleksander Szczygło presented the 40th ELT with a new banner. 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 the 40th ELT was born in 2000, but it was not until 2007 that it was implemented. For 7 years, the Squadron did not have its banner.
Staff Warrant Officer Zbigniew MICHALAK was awarded the title of NCO of the Year 2007 in the 1st BLT.
In 2007, the Polish-language press circulated a "sensational" message - "There are 15 tons of the most dangerous chemicals under the runway of the Świdnica airport." One journalist better than the other. At first we thought that these were chemicals left behind by the German or Soviet plague. But none of those things. The information showed that the owner of the burial ground was the now non-existent Poviat Union of Communal Cooperatives "SCH" in Świdwin, which deposited about 10 tons of expired pesticides and about 5 tons of their packaging in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1980s, the area was taken over by the army and a burial ground was opened during the construction of the airport apron. After consulting the army with the regional branch of the Provincial Quarantine and Plant Protection Station in Świdwin, the burial ground was re-concreted and covered with a military airfield.
No one questioned the existence of the burial ground. But it was definitely not located at Świdwin Airport. Because since 1953, the area of the Airport has neither decreased nor increased. You can put the information about the establishment of a burial ground on the landing field among fairy tales. The military has been clear about this. The spokesman of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade, Major Wiesława Gask, provided the following information - "According to our data, the indications of the location of the burial ground given by the newspaper are completely wrong - even if it were so, it is still a place about 200 meters outside the airport. Grass is now growing in that spot. Airport since 1953. did not change its fence. There is no physical possibility for anything to happen on a military site. And in the 1970s and 1980s, the airport was an inaccessible area. A man from Świdwin, who took part in storing packaging of various chemical compounds, also applied. He claims that the burial ground is about 250-300 meters in front of the fence of the airport area and there are smaller amounts of hazardous materials than reported in the press. The county office and its environmental protection department indicated the location of the burial ground on the basis of a map received from Szczecin, without verifying this information in any way.” Interestingly, no scribbler took a shovel and pointed to the alleged burial site. Oh well. The media campaign against the Polish Armed Forces continued and, as it turned out later, gained strength.
2008 year.
On January 23, 2008, the CASA C-295 M nb 019 aircraft crashed while approaching the Mirosławiec Airport. 20 soldiers were killed, including the commanders of the Polish Air Force. Most of the officers held important positions in the Mirosławiec and Świdwin garrison. Honor their memory! More on this is in a separate Chapter.
In the last week of May 2008, representatives of the Slovak Air Force visited the airport. For nearly a week, Slovak airmen performed air missions on MiG-29 aircraft as part of the STRIELA I and STRIELA II exercises. Based at the Świdwin airport, they performed flights to the Ustka training ground using various variants of armament.
Due to the January tragedy, new soldiers of the Polish Air Force were appointed to command positions. On August 4, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the airport in Świdwin, a ceremonial roll call began on the occasion of assuming the duties of the Commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade. With the sounds of the Air Force Orchestra from Bytom, assisted by the Honorary Company of the 21st BLOT and the banners of all Military Units subordinate to the 1st BLT, Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Andrzej BŁASIK greeted the soldiers and participants of the ceremony. In accordance with the military ceremony, after reading the Decision of the Minister of National Defense on appointing the Commander, after accepting the Brigade's banner and signing the protocol, Col. drink Stefan RUTKOWSKI reported to the Air Force Commander about taking over the duties of the Commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade. On this important day for Colonel Rutkowski and the Brigade, our Commander's wife Arleta accompanied us. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Air Force Command, commanders of subordinate units, parliamentarians from the West Pomeranian region and friendly local government authorities. There were also representatives of the Police, Fire Brigade and Military Police.
From September 19, 2008 (for several days) the largest exercise of the Armed Forces ANAKONDA '08 was held. The exercise also involved the separate forces of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade.
On October 3, 2008, the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade in Świdwin took place. During the ceremony, a commemorative plaque was unveiled, dedicated to the fallen airmen - funded by the society of Świdwin. At the ceremony, the Air Force Commander was represented by Brig. drink Ryszard HAĆ, many distinguished guests arrived. The ceremony began with the Holy Mass celebrated in the garrison church. After the atmospheric concert of Edyta Geppert at Plac Lotników, a solemn assembly and unveiling of a commemorative plaque took place. In front of the monument, the Commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade, Col. drink Stefan RUTKOWSKI, who, after welcoming the guests, outlined the history of the brigade. Brig.Gen. drink Ryszard HAĆ, speaking to the gathered, reminded the aviation achievements of the pilots and participation in many domestic and foreign exercises. The last speaker was Mr. Jan OWSIAK, Mayor of Świdwin, who in a few sentences reminded who the funded plaque is dedicated to and ended his speech with emotion in order to remember the names of the fallen airmen. Then the list of dead soldiers was read out. After the unveiling of the plaque by the Mayor, it was consecrated by Fr. bishop Senior Tadeusz WERNO. At the end of the ceremony, wreaths of flowers were placed at the monument.
On October 13-17, 2008, in the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade, a tactical exercise with troops under the code name KONDOR-08 was held. Detached forces from the 8th and 40th ELTs, 12th and 22nd Air Bases and the 14th Airfield Damage Removal Battalion participated in the exercise. The essence of the exercise is to prepare and conduct activities as part of participation in a national joint operation.
On November 11, 2008, during the solemn celebrations of the Independence Day, the President of the Republic of Poland, the commander of the Armed Forces, Lech KACZYŃSKI, at the request of the Minister of National Defense Bogdan KLICH, appointed eight officers of the Polish Army to the first general ranks. Promotion to the rank of brigadier general in the Air Force was received by: Col. Dipl. drink Stefan RUTKOWSKI - commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade. Col. Dipl. drink Tadeusz MIKUTEL - commander of the 3rd Transport Aviation Brigade. With great satisfaction, the staff and soldiers of the garrison received the news of the nomination of the Commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade to the rank of brigadier general. Brigadier General drink Stefan RUTKOWSKI, is the fifth commander in the 10-year history of the brigade. General nomination of the Commander is an undoubted personal success of General RUTKOWSKI, who has been in professional service for 24 years.
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.
2009 year.
On January 1, 2009, the 1st SLT was established, which until then was the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade. The 1st TACTICAL AVIATION WING is a tactical unit that is part of the Air Force. It was established on the basis of the Decision of the Minister of National Defense No. PF - 51/Org. of August 18, 2008. The 1st SLT includes: the 12th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd Air Bases and the 1st, 8th, 7th, 40th and 41st Tactical Aviation Squadrons and the 14th Airfield Repair Battalion.
March 2009 was related to the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO structures. On this occasion, many celebrations, meetings and academies were held in Poland. Celebrations were also held in the Świdwin Garrison. They were an opportunity to present promotions, decorations and awards.
In the Official Journal of the Ministry of National Defense No. 6 of April 24, 2009, the decision of the Minister of National Defense No. 86/MON was published on the continued use of the banner of the 1st Tactical Aviation Brigade by the 1st Tactical Air Wing and the establishment of the 1st Tactical Air Wing Day every year on September 30.
On May 5, 2009, the Świdwin garrison hosted foreign journalists who, as part of activities promoting the Air Force, visited the largest air garrisons. Journalists from France, Germany, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Belarus, Sweden and of course Poland came to Świdwin, 45 photojournalists in total. This year's "PRESS TOUR" organized by the Air Force is a response to the huge interest of foreign journalists in Polish military aviation. Journalists were welcomed by the Commander of the 1st Tactical Air Wing, Brig. drink Stefan RUTKOWSKI, who in a short speech acquainted the photojournalists with the program of the visit to the Świdwin garrison and introduced the commanders present at the meeting: Col. diploma drink Ireneusz STARZYŃSKI - commander of the 21st BLot, Lt. Col. diploma drink Ireneusz ŁYCZEK - commander of 40 ELT. The guests visited the hall of tradition, learning about the history of the garrison and the history of the establishment of the Polish Air Force. However, the most important moment for the journalists was the opportunity to enter the airport apron and take photos during the flights.
On June 2, 2009, the Świdwin garrison hosted the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Lech Kaczyński. During the visit, the President laid a wreath at the Monument to Fallen Airmen in the company of the Commander of the 1st Tactical Air Wing, Brig. drink Stefan Rutkowski and the Mayor of the City of Świdwin, Mr. Jan Owsiak, and met with the residents of the City.
In July 2009, the permanent exhibition of aircraft located in the center of the barracks was enriched with another aircraft exhibit: TS-11 Iskra. In this way, visitors to the Świdwin garrison can see up close all types of aircraft used by our pilots: Lim-6, TS-11 Iskra, MiG-21 and Su-22, which were and are operated for the 7th, 8th and the 40th ELT. It was also possible to visit the garrison hall of tradition and the permanent exhibition of aircraft, after obtaining the consent of the commander of the military unit.
From July 6, 2009 to July 10, 2009, NEWFIP exercises were conducted, the main aspect of which was operating with strong electronic warfare. On the basis of the 22nd Command and Guidance Center in Bydgoszcz, the EWCC (Electronic Warfare Coordination Cell) was established, which included representatives of the exercising units: 1. Radioelectronic Center, 1st and 2nd Tactical Air Wings, of the Radio Engineering Brigade, the 3rd Air Defense Missile Brigade and the 78th Air Defense Missile Regiment. The entire exercise was coordinated by the Air Operations Center. Flights were also performed in the zone of responsibility of the 21st ODN from Warsaw. Various components took part in the exercises, including the French DA-20 WRE aircraft, which operated from Mirosławiec Airport. The exercises were carried out in the northern part of Poland. In one of the episodes, the Su-22 aircraft with the SPS-141 MWGE tank played the main role.
The tasks in the air were assigned to: from the composition of the 1st SLT, 6 Su-22 M aircraft, 4 from the 40th ELT from Świdwin, 4 MiG-29 from the 41st ELT from Malbork; from the composition of the 2nd SLT, 4 F-16s from the 31st BLT from Krzesiny; from the composition of the 3rd SLTr, 1 CASA C-295 M aircraft from the 13th ELTr from Balice. The 40th Tactical Aviation Squadron performed tasks with 6 Su-22 M 4 aircraft equipped with SPS-141 MWGE stations. Exercises with their use were carried out in the past, but for several years the sight of the Polish Su-22 with SPS-141 was rare.
The SPS-141MWGE station is an active interference device, suspended in a tray on 3 or 5 suspension nodes. The weight of the bunker is 180 kg. The station works as a retranslator, it receives signals radiating from the plane, imposes interfering modulation on them, then amplifies and radiates them into the front or rear hemisphere. SPS-141 generates four interference complexes: A - for protection against pulse radars, B - for protection against continuous and quasi-continuous radars, C - for mutual protection of two or more aircraft against continuous and quasi-continuous radars and interference noise - causing incorrect aiming of missiles with radar homing heads with continuous radiation to the surface of the earth or water.
Świdwin pilots performed two missions per day, during which they conducted simulated attacks on radar posts and disrupted their operation. They also attacked the NEWA-SC, KUB and OSA air defense missile systems and disrupted the operation of these systems, actively counteracting the targeting and attack on the aircraft. The flights were performed in pairs, because the best results are achieved with the cooperation of two SPS stations.
In August 2009, on the occasion of the Polish Army Day, the Minister of National Defense Bogdan KLICH, in recognition of his merits in the development and strengthening of the defense of the Republic of Poland, awarded: GOLD MEDAL FOR MERIT FOR COUNTRY DEFENSE - Maj. Jan FIOŁEK, Senior Warrant Officer Jerzy WIKTOR. SILVER MEDAL FOR MERIT FOR COUNTRY DEFENSE - Lt. Col. Gracjan WOJTULSKI, Major Wiesław GASEK, Major Piotr SARAPUK, Major Bernard WOŁUJEWICZ, Mrs. Irena KRAMEK. BRONZE MEDAL FOR MERIT FOR COUNTRY DEFENSE - Major Paweł KORCZYŃSKI, Major Jacek KOPAŃSKI, Ms Violetta WIKTOR, for long-term exemplary service or work in the Polish Army. GOLD MEDAL ARMED FORCES IN THE SERVICE OF THE HOMELAND - Lieutenant Colonel Krzysztof SIKORA, Major Jerzy KOPIEC, Major Marian KOROL, Capt. Kazimierz MACHAJ. SILVER MEDAL ARMED FORCES IN THE SERVICE OF THE HOMELAND - Major Leszek BŁACH, Major Sylwester DĄBSKI, Major Andrzej KACIEŁOWICZ, Capt. Wojciech WOŻNIAK, Ms Ewa WÓJCIK. BRONZE MEDAL ARMED FORCES IN THE SERVICE OF THE HOMELAND - Major Arkadiusz CERKASKI, Major Artur GŁUŚNIEWSKI, Ms Beata KOWALCZYK. On behalf of the Minister of National Defense, the medals were presented to the subordinate staff and civilian employees of the army by the Commander of the 1st SLT Brig. Pilot Stefan RUTKOWSKI.
In August 2009, the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Lech KACZYŃSKI, awarded and awarded the AIR CROSS OF MERIT for an act of particular benefit to the Air Force, going beyond the ordinary duty, performed during the service: Brig. pilot by Stefan RUTKOWSKI.
On September 25, 2009, the 1st Tactical Air Wing in Świdwin celebrated its first birthday after changing its name at the beginning of 2009. The celebration of the 1st SLT began with a Holy Mass celebrated in the Garrison Church by the Field Bishop of the Polish Army, Maj. Gen. Tadeusz Płoski, assisted by the chaplain of the garrison, Fr. leek Grzegorz Przewrocki, Dean of the Deanery of Fr. Roman Tarniowy and vice dean, Fr. Ryszard Kizielewicz. Then, at Plac Konstytucji 3 Maja in the center of Świdwin, a solemn appeal was held on the occasion of the 1st SLT Day. At the invitation of the Commander of the 1st SLT Brig. drink Stefan Rutkowski, many distinguished guests arrived, including: Brig. drink Ryszard Hać, Chief of the Air Force Deputy Chief of Training, who represented the Commander of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Zdzisław Goral, Commander of the Multinational Corps Northeast, Brig. Gen. Andrzej Gwadera Deputy Commander of the 12th Szczecin Mechanized Division, Brigadier General Krzysztof Motacki Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade. Legions of Marshal Józef Piłsudski from Złocieniec, Col. Jarosław MIKA, Commander of the Command Support Brigade of the Multinational Corps North - East Stargard Szczeciński. Among the guests were former division and brigade commanders: Lt. Gen. pil. at rest Stanisław Targosz and Maj. Gen. drink SlawomirDygnatowski. Brig. Gen. also arrived. Michał Sikora Chief of Radiotechnical Forces and Commander of the 3rd Tactical Air Wing Brig. drink Tadeusz Mikutel. Friends representing the Navy did not disappoint: Rear Admiral Jerzy Lenda and Commander Dariusz Bednarczyk. The celebration was honored by the presence of the Commanders' wives: Małgorzata Andrzejewska, Bożena Maciąg and Elżbieta Maniewska. The local authorities were represented by: Mirosław Majka, Starost of Świdwin and Kazimierz Szafrański, Chairman of the District Council, Jan Owsiak, Mayor of Świdwin, and Roman Artyński, junior brigadier. Commander of the Poviat State Fire Service and Chairman of the Świdwin City Council in one person and many guests, local government officials, friendly uniformed services: police, fire brigade and military police, veterans and commanders of subordinate military units. The ceremonial setting of the roll call was provided by the Air Force Orchestra from Koszalin, assisted by the banner of the 1st SLT and the company of honor, issued by the 21st Air Base. After greeting Brig. drink Ryszard Hać with soldiers and hoisting the state flag on the mast, occasional orders were read out. Distinguishing soldiers were awarded with medals, financial and material prizes. After the speeches, there was a parade of sub-units, which ended the solemn assembly. In the military casino guests were invited to a soldier's refreshment. The commander of the 1st Tactical Air Wing, Brig. drink Stefan Rutkowski received from the invited guests many flowers and wishes for the entire personnel of the Wing for successful service for the defense of the air borders of the Republic of Poland.
On October 6, 2009, in the Świdwin garrison, foreign journalists visited the largest aviation garrisons for the second time, in 2009, as part of activities promoting the Air Force. 71 journalists came from practically all over Europe. "PRESS TOUR" was organized by the Polish Air Force.
At the 12th Air Base on October 22, 2009, the Utility and Combat Competition of part-time defense teams against weapons of mass destruction was held, summarizing the training process in 2009. The representation of air bases, tactical air squadrons and the 14th airfield repair battalion from Elbląg joined the competition for the title of the best player and team in the 1st Tactical Aviation Wing.
In 2009, the 40th ELT, commanded by Lt. Col. drink Ireneusz Łyczek, was the leading unit operating the Su-22 aircraft. Formally, the 7th ELT Świdwin and the 8th ELT Mirosławiec were still in operation. In fact, the 7th ELT was functioning only on paper. Its aircraft and KKR-type reconnaissance pods were already in stock for the 40th ELT, whose staffing was increased by the Data Analysis Group. The squadron began to perform reconnaissance tasks. On the other hand, the 8th ELT was already being prepared for transfer to Świdwin Airport. The 8th Squadron specialized in flights with SRCP-WR targets that imitate air targets, and these tasks have already been taken over by the 40th ELT.
In 2009, the 40th ELT had 25 Su-22 M 4 aircraft, 6 Su-22 UM 3 K aircraft and 3 TS-11 aircraft in stock (13 Su-22 M 4 aircraft, 3 Su-22 UM 3 aircraft) in stock K and 6 TS-11 aircraft). The FTE of the flying and technical personnel was 70%. In the 7th and 8th ELTs the staffing rate was 20%. There were still 22 pilots with Su-22 licenses in the command of the 1st SLT and the Ministry of National Defense. Therefore, all exercises were manned by pilots from the 40th ELT. In addition, only some of them were fully trained and it was them who were responsible for performing most of the tasks assigned to the Squadron. This meant that Świdwin pilots achieved very high air raids. The deputy squadron commander, Major Pil. Robert Kantowicz, in 2008, had a raid of 301.5 hours! The next pilot on the list had 180 hours. The average flight time per pilot was about 125 hours per year.
Despite this, during this period the number of Su-22 flying machines was decreasing, and in addition good pilots and technicians left the service. While earlier attempts were made to stop them, currently (2009) no obstacles were made. There is no doubt that the departures were caused by increasingly weaker salaries, resulting from the bad personnel policy of the Minister of National Defense Bogdan Klich. The liquidation of the Polish Army continued.
2010 year.
On April 10, 2010, over Smolensk (Moscow State), the greatest disaster in the history of Polish Military Aviation took place. The Soviets made a coup. 96 people died in the wreckage of the government aircraft Tu-154 M nb 101; two Presidents of the Republic of Poland, the Marshal of the Sejm, nine generals of the Polish Armed Forces belonging to NATO and many other great Poles. The government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk (with the incompetent Minister of National Defense Bogdan Kich, the incompetent Minister of Health Ewa Kopacz and other freemasons) was not up to the task. He turned out to be weak and loyal to the Kremlin and Berlin. He did not use NATO's help. He brought disgrace to the Polish nation. He handed over the investigation of the assassination and the investigation into the hands of KGB general Ms. Anodina and KGB officer Vladimir Putin (Kremlin Prime Minister). As we write these sentences, 13 months have passed since the attack. The wreck, black boxes, satellite phones, service weapons of BOR officers and other items and documents relevant to the case have not yet returned to Poland. The wreck itself was deliberately destroyed. Put on the stator to let the weather finish the job. In the Republic of Poland, active officers were forbidden to make any statements. The press accused the soldiers of poor training and aerial hooliganism. The largest internet portal on aviation has been closed. Polish Army officers who had something to do with the CASA plane crash in 2008 were constantly insulted, and at the same time they were brought to court. General Andrzej Błasik was stripped of his honor and pronounced a drunkard. Only his beloved wife, Ewa Błasik, defends her husband's honor. That is why we write with a clear conscience - It was an attack. Free homeland, please bring us back Lord!
The events of April 10, 2010 badly affected the strength and coherence of the Polish Air Force. They showed that the army should be dealt with by a military man, a strategist, an exact mind, and not a psychiatrist like Bogdan Klich by profession. It is Bogdan Kich who is responsible for cutting costs in the Army, mainly on training and new equipment.
On June 10, 2010, in the Świdwin garrison, a group of media representatives of nearly 50 people was hosted as part of the implementation of study trips of Polish journalists under the name "MEET WITH THE ARMY". This "new form" of promoting the Armed Forces could only be implemented with the approval of the Minister of National Defense, Bogdan Klich. According to official materials - "This is a way to recall the memory of the highest commanders of the Polish Army who died tragically in the Smolensk crash, it is also a response to the media interest in Polish Military Aviation among journalists." It is clear that Bogdan Kich does not know what is going on in the Republic of Poland and is breaking open the door. Why? Because the Polish nation remembers the Smolensk attack very well and demands the truth. Not a sensation. And the Polish-language media know perfectly well what is happening in Polish Aviation, but they only dose sensations and would gladly put President Lech Kaczyński or General Andrzej Błasik at the controls of the Tu-154 M nb 101 aircraft.
On May 17 - 21, 2010, in the 1st Tactical Air Wing, a skeletal command and staff exercise was conducted in stationary facilities under the code name: BRYZA 10. The purpose of the exercise was to intensify training as part of preparing military units to perform tasks as intended. The intention of the Wing Commander was to achieve readiness to take action with subordinate military units. Prepare two tactical air squadrons and separate forces and means securing their operations to be moved to Świdwin and Malbork airfields and hand them over to COP. Logistically secure training squadrons and prepare for the composition of the Air Component. The head of the exercise, Col. Dipl. drink Eugeniusz Gardas, supervised the implementation of tasks in the city of Malbork, while the deputy manager, Col. Dipl. Jerzy Gromiński in the units of the Świdwin garrison.
On May 17-21, 2010, an air squadron of the Slovak Air Force with 5 MiG-29 aircraft and technical personnel was stationed at the Świdwin airport. This is another stay of the Slovaks at Świdwin Airport. The main task of the exercise under the code name: STRELA I was to fire guided air-to-air missiles at the Ustka training ground.
Continued in the next chapter.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman