Sea, knowledge, and command. A new chapter in the Navy with lt. cmdr. Małgorzata Pająk on board

The history of the Polish Navy is being rewritten. Lt. Cmdr. Małgorzata Pająk, the first woman in history to take command of ORP Arctowski, demonstrates that professionalism, knowledge, and determination are the key factors on the bridge—regardless of gender. Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Gen. Wiesław Kukuła, goes even further, seeing the Polish officer as a future Commander of the Polish Navy.

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11 march 2025   |   14:25   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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Hydrography – mission and calling

The sea holds many secrets, and hydrography plays a crucial role in uncovering them. Over 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, yet only a small percentage of the seabed has been thoroughly mapped. Despite its relative shallowness and being surrounded by developed nations, the Baltic Sea still conceals countless mysteries.

As the commanding officer of ORP Arctowski, Lt. Cmdr. Małgorzata Pająk, an experienced hydrographer and naval officer, not only conducts seabed surveys but also contributes to the enhancement of maritime navigation safety and operational security.

Command – the path to the bridge of ORP Arctowski

The journey to assuming command of a hydrographic vessel was not an easy one. In a domain where a woman commanding a warship is still a rarity, competence was the decisive factor. Every surveyed area, every wreck examined, and every decision made reaffirmed her conviction that this was her rightful place. Today, as the commanding officer of ORP Arctowski, she leads her crew and makes key decisions shaping the future of Polish hydrography.

Decision-making under pressure – life at sea

Service at sea demands constant readiness. Sudden weather changes, navigation system failures, or potential threats to the vessel require immediate response. In such moments, it is not only procedural knowledge that matters but also the ability to make quick decisions and rely on experience. Lt. Cmdr. Małgorzata Pająk has proven to be a leader capable of managing both the crew and the vessel under any conditions.

The future of hydrography and the role of the Navy

The Polish Navy faces 21st-century challenges. Modern bathymetric systems, autonomous surface and underwater vehicles, and the development of advanced data analysis are setting new standards for hydrographers. Lt. Cmdr. Małgorzata Pająk not only executes current missions but also actively participates in transformations shaping the future of Polish hydrography.

Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Wiesław Kukuła, emphasizes that the commander of ORP Arctowski is “an outstanding officer.”

-  had the opportunity to observe the commander at sea. If we do not waste this talent, she will undoubtedly be a leading candidate for the position of Commander of the Polish Navy and perhaps even the first naval officer to serve as the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces! Her generation marks a great transformation! – says Gen. Wiesław Kukuła.

Lt. Cmdr. Małgorzata Pająk proves that there are no barriers that cannot be overcome, and the future of the Polish Navy is in the hands of the best. Her achievements speak for themselves—she was the top graduate of the Polish Naval Academy in 2011, later taking command of the navigational division on a vessel that she now commands. In 2023, she succeeded Lt. Cmdr. Marcin Gronek as the commanding officer of ORP Arctowski, setting a new course for Polish naval hydrography.

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