Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1365706
MCMVs The mine countermeasures potential of the Polish Navy is divid- ed between the 12th and 13th Minesweeper Squadrons. Both of these elements are a part of the 8th Flotilla, whereas the former is based in Świnoujście, while the latter is stationed in Gdynia. Project 207 minesweepers form the bulk of the unit's inventory, along with Project 206FM minehunters (modified minesweepers). Both types are obsolete, having served, respectively, and on av- erage, for 5 and 3 decades. However, the fact that the replace- ment arrived on time (a modern one!) is a positive symptom here. The legacy vessels have also been subjected to limited upgrades. Kormoran-class MCMV is the replacement of the 206FM MCMVs. The first vessel of the class, ORP "Kormoran" was introduced into the inventory of the 13th Minesweeper Squadron in November 2017. Then, after sea trials it underwent, combat readiness was attained. Meanwhile, some of the 207P minesweepers operated by the 12th Minesweeper Squadron are undergoing upgrades and modifications. ORP Kontradmirał Xawery Czernicki is the last vessel that is a part of the Polish mine countermeasures potential. The vessel has be- come a part of the Polish Navy in 2001, as a supply ship. In 2009 it underwent modifications at SMW, becoming a command ship for mine countermeasure groups. Czernicki is one of the vessels of the Polish Navy that sees continuous use. Over 19 years of service it was used as a command vessel for the SNMCMGs 1 and 2 four times. It was also a part of the Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom operations - in its former role. The vessel is being overhauled at the PGZ shipyard now. Landing Ship Component The landing vessels are gathered within the Transport-Minelaying Squadron of the 8th Warships Flotilla. The primary potential of the said element revolves around five Lublin-class vessels com- missioned between 1989 and 1991. These ships have been an extension of the Cold War doctrine that assumed that the Polish Navy would be tasked with a landing operation in Denmark. The assumptions adopted at the moment of commissioning were no longer up to date after the fall of the Soviet Union and the disin- tegration of the Warsaw Pact. The vessels were introduced into service anyway. Currently, they are used to transport their own forces, conduct landing operations, and defensive minelaying missions. The original plan for these vessels assumed that they would be decommissioned by 2021. One should expect that they remain in active service for some years though. Lublin-class ves- sels are complemented by three Project 716 landing craft. The ORP Kontradmirał X. Czernicki command vessel is also formally a part of the aforesaid unit. NAVY