Formoza: 50 years of Poland’s elite naval commandos. Half a century of maritime special operations

From torpedo station to special forces elite

Formoza traces its origins to 1974, with the creation of the research team for naval divers under Commander Józef Rembisz. On November 13, 1975, the special operations department within the 3rd naval flotilla was officially formed — the direct predecessor of today’s Formoza.

The unit’s name derives from the former German torpedo station in Gdynia-Oksywie, built on stilts over the water and connected to the shore by a narrow causeway. This location provided the ideal environment for training naval commandos and shaped the unit’s maritime character, which persists to this day.

In 2007, the maritime special operations unit “Formoza” was established as an independent formation, integrated into the Polish special forces in 2008. Today, Formoza operates under the special forces command, cooperating closely with other elite units, including GROM, AGAT, and NIL.

Masters of the maritime environment

Formoza specializes in operations across sea, air, and land domains. Its tasks include underwater reconnaissance, sabotage, boarding operations (VBSS), and counter-terrorism missions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Hydrotechnical reconnaissance and maritime sabotage,
• Boarding and securing vessels during combat operations,
• Neutralizing threats in ports and coastal areas,
• Protecting critical maritime infrastructure, including LNG terminals and offshore gas pipelines.

In recent years, Formoza has expanded its capabilities. In 2023, it established combat team C, dedicated to safeguarding maritime energy infrastructure. In 2025, the unit signed a contract for unmanned aerial vehicles capable of water landings, enhancing maritime reconnaissance and operational reach.

NATO partner and Baltic security pillar

Formoza is a core element of Poland’s maritime defense system and a strategic NATO partner. Its operators regularly participate in international exercises with US Navy SEALs, UK Royal Marines, and Nordic special forces, refining joint maritime operational procedures.

The unit also provides national counter-terrorism support and has participated in overseas missions, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the context of increasing tensions in the Baltic region, Formoza’s capabilities are critical for hybrid threat response, particularly protecting maritime infrastructure, subsea cables, and ports.

Fifty years of experience and innovation

The 50th anniversary of Formoza, celebrated by the Polish special forces command, highlights the legacy of generations of operators who served discreetly but effectively. A commemorative album, Formoza – 50 years of maritime commandos, documents the unit’s history from 1975 to the present.

Today, Formoza represents one of Poland’s most technologically advanced and operationally proficient forces. Its work, often invisible to the public, is essential for maritime and energy security. Combining tradition with innovation, Formoza remains a critical asset in safeguarding Poland’s waters and supporting allied operations.

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