55 Years of the 3rd Ship Flotilla. A pillar of the Polish Navy

On 11 March 2026, the 3rd Ship Flotilla named after Commander Bolesław Romanowski marks the 55th anniversary of its establishment. The milestone is not only a celebration of the history of one of the most important formations of the Polish Navy, but also an opportunity to reflect on its role in the national security system and in NATO maritime operations over more than half a century.

11 march 2026   |   16:09   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. kpt. mar. Damian Przybysz / 3FO

What began in 1971 as a relatively small tactical formation of fewer than 900 sailors and several combat vessels has evolved into the largest and most complex operational structure of the Polish Navy. Today, the flotilla represents a fully integrated maritime force capable of conducting operations at sea, underwater, in the air and on land.

Over the past 55 years, the 3rd Ship Flotilla has become a symbol of Poland’s maritime capabilities and an important contributor to NATO naval operations in the Baltic region and beyond. Its ships and personnel regularly participate in international exercises and allied missions, building a reputation for professionalism and operational readiness.

Nearly 3,000 sailors and civilian personnel currently serve within the flotilla’s units. Their main base is located in the Naval Port of Gdynia, the largest naval base in Poland, while other elements of the formation operate from the Hel Peninsula, Ustka and Siemirowice.

From these locations, Polish naval vessels deploy to patrol the Baltic Sea, participate in multinational exercises, and contribute to maritime security operations under NATO command.

From Cold War origins to NATO operations

The 3rd Ship Flotilla was established on 11 March 1971 as part of a major reorganization of Poland’s naval forces. It was formed from elements of the former 1st Submarine Brigade, the 3rd Torpedo Boat Brigade and the headquarters of the 7th Destroyer Division. The first commander of the formation was Commander Marian Sucharzewski.

During the Cold War, the flotilla played a significant role within the maritime structure of the Warsaw Pact forces operating in the Baltic Sea. At the time, Poland, East Germany and the Soviet Union coordinated naval operations in the region through several flotilla-level formations.

Initially, the formation consisted of missile and torpedo boat divisions, a submarine division, and destroyers including ORP Warszawa and ORP Grom. These units were tasked primarily with coastal defense and anti-surface warfare operations in the Baltic theatre.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the flotilla underwent extensive modernization. Older torpedo boats were gradually retired and replaced by more capable missile vessels. New submarines and missile corvettes entered service, and in 1988 the Polish Navy commissioned a new Kashin-class guided missile destroyer, also named ORP Warszawa.

In 1985, the flotilla received its patron, Commander Bolesław Romanowski, a distinguished Polish submarine commander of World War II. Romanowski commanded the submarines ORP Jastrząb and ORP Dzik, conducting numerous combat patrols in the North Sea, the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. His legacy continues to symbolize courage, professionalism and dedication within the Polish Navy.

Transformation after the Cold War

The political changes in Central and Eastern Europe after 1989 initiated a profound transformation of the Polish armed forces, including the Navy. With Poland’s accession to NATO in 1999, the operational focus of the 3rd Ship Flotilla gradually shifted toward interoperability with allied maritime forces and participation in international missions.

One of the most significant developments was the introduction of Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates, ORP Gen. Kazimierz Pułaski and ORP Gen. Tadeusz Kościuszko. These vessels became the backbone of Poland’s contribution to NATO maritime task groups for many years.

During the same period, Poland acquired Kobben-class submarines from Norway, as well as modern Orkan-class fast attack missile craft, strengthening the Navy’s surface strike capabilities.

Organizational reforms also led to the creation of the Combat Ship Division, consolidating missile and anti-submarine warfare units into a single operational structure capable of conducting complex naval operations.

Fourteen units, one operational system

Today the 3rd Ship Flotilla consists of fourteen subordinate units and institutions, forming one of the most comprehensive maritime operational structures within the Polish Armed Forces.

The core combat capability is provided by the Combat Ship Division, which operates two Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates, three Orkan-class missile ships, and corvettes designed for anti-submarine warfare and patrol missions. These vessels are capable of conducting surface strike operations, providing air defense for naval groups, and protecting maritime lines of communication.

Subsurface warfare capabilities are provided by the Submarine Division, currently centered on a Kilo-class submarine. Submarines remain one of the most effective tools for maritime reconnaissance, strike operations, and sea denial missions.

Operational support at sea is delivered by the Support Ship Division, which includes large rescue vessels ORP Piast and ORP Lech, the training ship ORP Wodnik, and rescue boats ORP Maćko and ORP Zbyszko. These units conduct rescue operations, training missions, and provide logistical support to naval forces.

Hydrographic and navigational support is ensured by the Naval Hydrographic Support Division, operating survey vessels ORP Arctowski, ORP Heweliusz, and ORP Iskra, along with hydrographic boats and specialized survey units.

Maritime intelligence capabilities are provided by the Reconnaissance Ship Group, operating electronic intelligence vessels ORP Nawigator and ORP Hydrograf.

The flotilla also includes important shore-based elements. The Naval Missile Unit, equipped with mobile coastal anti-ship missile systems, plays a key role in defending Poland’s Baltic coastline and protecting key naval bases and infrastructure.

Air defense for naval installations is provided by the 9th Anti-Aircraft Division, while the 43rd Naval Engineer Battalion, based in Rozewie, delivers engineering support including mine clearance, infrastructure maintenance, and obstacle construction.

Logistical support for the entire formation is handled by the Naval Port Command in Gdynia, the largest logistical organization within the Polish Navy. Meanwhile, the Naval Measurement Range is responsible for measuring and reducing ships’ physical signatures through demagnetization and other procedures.

The flotilla’s structure also includes institutions responsible for education, heritage and communication, such as the Naval Sailing Training Center, the Naval Publishing and Editorial Office, and the Naval Club “Riwiera.”

One of the most recognizable symbols of the Polish Navy, the museum ship ORP Błyskawica, is also administratively linked to the flotilla. The historic World War II destroyer serves both as a museum and a ceremonial venue for naval traditions, including officer promotions and official ceremonies.

Contribution to NATO Maritime Security

Over the years, ships of the 3rd Ship Flotilla have participated in numerous international operations and exercises.

Polish frigates have deployed as part of Standing NATO Maritime Groups, operating in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. Polish submarines have also participated in NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour, launched after the September 11 attacks to combat terrorism in the Mediterranean.

In addition, the flotilla regularly takes part in large multinational naval exercises such as BALTOPS, Northern Coasts, Joint Warrior, and Cold Response, maintaining a high level of interoperability with allied navies.

Looking ahead. New ships for a new era

The 55th anniversary of the 3rd Ship Flotilla coincides with a period of significant modernization for the Polish Navy.

The most important development is the Miecznik program, under which three modern multi-role frigates are being constructed in Polish shipyards. These vessels will significantly enhance Poland’s naval capabilities, particularly in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and network-centric operations.

At the same time, Poland plans to acquire new submarines under the Orka program, restoring full underwater operational capabilities to the Navy and strengthening deterrence in the Baltic Sea region.

Together with infrastructure upgrades and modernization of naval systems, these programs will shape the future operational environment of the 3rd Ship Flotilla for decades to come.

Legacy and future

The history of the 3rd Ship Flotilla is the story of several generations of sailors who have built its reputation and operational strength over more than five decades.

From Cold War missile boats and destroyers, through NATO deployments of modern frigates, to the future introduction of next-generation frigates and submarines, the flotilla has continuously evolved in response to changing security challenges.

Today, the 3rd Ship Flotilla remains the backbone of Poland’s maritime defense. Its ships continue to patrol the Baltic Sea, participate in allied operations and train future generations of naval personnel.

As new frigates and submarines enter service in the coming years, the history of the 3rd Ship Flotilla will continue to unfold—entering a new chapter in the development of the Polish Navy.

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