23 AIR BASE was formed in  01 January 2001 (according to order no. „ Confidential. – 153”, 28 November 2000 by Commander of The Polish Air and Air Defence Forces).
The 23^rd Air Base and 1^st Tactical Squadron were officially  constituted on 1^st January 2001, replacing the disbanded 1^st Fighter Regiment "Warszawa".
1^st Fighter Regiment "Warszawa" was formed near Grigoriewskoje village (Russia) in 1943. On 15^th May 1993, according to Ministry of Defence order, we added historical traditions following units:

-7^th Fighter Squadron by Tadeusz Kościuszko (1918-1921),
-19^th Fighter Squadron (1919-1921),
-111^st Fighter Squadron of 1st Fighter Regiment (1921-1929),
-113^rd Fighter Squadron of 1st Fighter Regiment (1933-1939)’
-145^th Tactical Fighter Wing “Warsaw” (1940),
-303^rd Tactical Fighter Wing by Tadeusz Kościuszko (1940-1947),
-316^th Tactical Fighter Wing “Warsaw” (1941-1947).

7^th Fighter Squadron by Tadeusz Kościuszko descended from 3^rd Fighter Squadron, which was formed at 7^th November 1918 by its pilots willfully, on airfield Rakowice near Kraków city. Capt. Karol Stelmach became the first commander. However, capt. Camillo Perini (Italian) led squadron actually. The squadron was relocated near Lwow, where ones waged sever fights with Ukrainians. On 21^st December in 1918 that squadron was renamed on 7^th Fighter Squadron and unit was joined the 2nd Aviation Group led by capt. Stefan Bastyr.  

From 1^st January in 1919 the 7^th Fighter Squadron was led by lt. Jerzy Borejsza. Squadron pilots stood out with fights about Lwow and Eastern Galicia. They made reconnaissance missions and attacked Ukrainian troops.

Models of Aircrafts in 7^th Fighter Squadron. 

In March, lt. Stefan Stec became the commander of the famous 7^th Fighter Squadron. He placed white-red checkerboard on his aircraft. Lt. Ludomił Rayski took over commanding after lt. Stec. In Summer, squadron was rearmed with new fighters  SPAD-7.

American pilots gave nickname „ kościuszkowska” for that squadron. They came to Poland in order to join the Polish army as volunteers. However, the idea of „ kościuszkowska” squadron creation was emerged in 1914 in Paris already. It was Capt. Marian Cooper who initiated that idea. During WW I he served  in "Lafayetto"  Aviation Corps as well as in exclusive 137^th Squadron. Capt. Cooper’s great-grandfather was an adjutant of the cavalry regiment commander during war of US independence and general Kazimierz Pułaski died at his hands. Making „ kościuszkowska” squadron, capt. Cooper wanted to pay off the debt of gratitude of American Nation towards Poland for the Poles’ participation in war of US Independence. Col. Cedrik E.Faunt - le – Roy and several American pilots came to Poland  with capt. Cooper together.     

At Americans’ request, they were sent on the most dangerous part of front line. It followed not till than col.  Faunt - le – Roy’s personal conversation during his meeting with Marshal Józef Piłsudski.  Americans were sent to 7^th Fighter Squadron. According to Americans’ requests, the Ministry of Military Affairs named squadron as the 7^th Fighter Squadron by Tadeusz Kościuszko. Lt. Ellist Chess designed new squadron’s emblem which referred to American and Polish military glory.

The squadron’s emblem was “krakowska” cap, two crossed scythes on background with white-red stripes and 13 blue stars circumscribed, which symbolised 13 united states. Since then,  the 7^th Fighter’s emblem symbolised the bravest units which existed in Polish Air Forces.             

Under col. Faunt - le – Roy’s commanding, the 7^th Fighter Squadron by Tadeusz Kosciuszko wrote down great chapter in the book of History. In April 1920, that squadron covered and protected marching columns of Polish soldiers near Kijów.  Pilots made sorties  on deepen rear areas of Soviet army.  They identified Soviet’s positions and destroyed their airfields. Some of the squadron pilots were taken as a POW (among them capt. Marian Cooper).  The squadron made 402 sorties totally. They fought  with Budionny’s  cavalry on foreground of Lwów. The 7^th Fighter Squadron by Tadeusz Kosciuszko was the most famous and the bravest unit during war against Soviet Russia. The Marshal Józef Piłsudzki awarded brave Americans with  silver crosses of Virtuti Militari Order.

The 19^th Fighter Sqadron was brave as well. In April 1919 the squadron came to Poland with  “Blue Army”  of general Haller together. They started warfare on Belarusian-Lithuanian front line. Lt. Stefan Pawlikowski and two others were squadron pilots. They made 121 sorties and won several victories over Zodzin. During Battle of Warsaw they flew over foreground of Warszawa. The 19^th Fighter Squadron’s air route was finished in October 1920, near Minsk ( on Belarus).

Model of Aircraft in 19th Fighter Squadron-  Sopwitch Dolphin 21.0

19 May 1921 – After 1^st Fighter Regiment creation, 19^th Squadron joined 18th Squadron. The 7^th Squadron and 18^th Squadron were attached to 1^st Fighter Regiment.  The 7^th Squadron was renamed as 111^st .  On the other hand,  pilots from 19th old squadron  were joined 113rd Night Fighter Squadron, which emblem was black eagle owl. 

   1^st Fighter Regiment became exclusive unit in Polish Air Forces. That quality, patterns of training elaborated by

col. Camillo Perini, col. Jerzy Kossowski, col. Stefan Pawlikowski made that squadron pilots unmatched masters of dogfights. In 1939, 111^st and 113^rd squadrons joined Pursuit Brigade, which the main task was defence of Warsaw.

                                                                              PZL P-7a  aircraft in Pursuit Brigade

Technical disproportions of 111^st and 113^rd Fighter Squadrons as well as the all Polish Air Forces in relation to

aggressor were compensated by masterful pilotage, will power and fortitude. They destroyed 21 enemy aircrafts. In 1939, achievements of pilots from „kosciuszkowska” squadron: capt. Zdzisław Krasnodębski, lt. Wojciech Januszewicz,  lt. Mirosław Feric, corporal Stanisław Karubin and corporal Eugeniusz Szaposznikow initiated creation of the book of aces.

In May 1940 near Lyon in France - 145^th Tactical Fighter Wing was created and referred to combat traditions of Warsaw Fighter Squadrons. Pilots derived from 1^st Fighter Regiment personnel mainly. As the first, 145^th Tactical Fighter Wing achieved combat readiness. In May 1940 it defended Lyon, Paris, Rouen Reux and Rocheford. In short campaign pilots from  145^th Tactical Fighter Wing destroyed 12 enemy aircrafts. In June they were evacuated to Great Britain. In August 1940, the 303^rd Fighter Squadron by Tadeusz Kosciuszko was created and took traditions and emblem of the111^st  Fighter Squadron.                      

Soon after that fighter squadron started next excellent chapter in Military Glory Book of “Kościuszkowski” squadrons. “Kosciuszkowski” emblem, seen on aircraft or airman’s uniform, symbolized the highest combat skills – it symbolized “the Air ace of aces”. “Kosciuszkowski” squadron gained win recognition among RAF commanders during battle of Great Britain. To the very end of WW II Polish pilots destroyed 202 Luftwaffe aircrafts. Squadron was awarded with silver cross of the Virtutii Militari Order by commander -in –chief general Sikorski. None of Polish unit on West had as many knights of the Virtutii Militari Order as 303 “Kosciuszkowski” Squadron.

 Hawker Hurricane

 Mustang IV

 Spitfire I

 Spitfire II 

There is undeniable fact that “Kosciuszkowski”  squadron destroyed 44 Luftwaffe aircrafts during next 15 days, what with RAF squadrons couldn’t pride themselves. On 15th September 1940, pilots from “Kosciuszkowski” squadron destroyed 15 aircrafts totally. Military glory was created by pilots who achieved several air victories: col.  Witold Urbanowicz, col. Witold Łokuciewski, col. Stefan Witorzeniec, col. Zdzisław Krasnodębski, col. Jan Zumbach and many others, who defended London and many other British cities, provided fighting cover of allies units or made air raids over Nazi Germany.
The 316th “Warsaw” Fighter Squadron was formed in February 1941 in Great Britain.  Personnel in that squadron consist of soldiers from former 113rd and 114th squadron and took emblem of the 113rd Fighter Squadron – black eagle owl. In that squadron, many excellent pilots were on duties among others general. Aleksander Gabszewicz (the first Polish pilot awarded with gold cross of the Virtuti Militari Order).  The 316th Fighter Squadron defended Bristol, provided air cover for ships’ convoy on La Manche canal, destroyed missiles V-1 over London. The squadron destroyed 45 aircrafts and 74 flying bombs totally.

1st Fighter Regiment, formed near  Grigoriewskoje, refered to  traditions of fighter squadrons on the West. Expression of its appreciation was its number “one” and distinctive name “Warszawa”.  Many pilots identified themselves with pre-war traditions. 

Officers and soldiers from 1st Infantry Division by Tadeusz Kosciuszko  and Soviet officers – Poles but citizens of Soviet Russia were human resource base for forming of 1st  Independent Fighter Squadron.  On 7th July 1943  infantry division commander col. Zygmunt Berling gave an order  to form new squadron. The squadron was placed in airfield Grigoriewskoje, situated on the west from Sielce near Moskwa-Riazan road. Capt. Czesław Kozłowski became the first  commander, he was Pole born in Soviet Russia. In short time he arranged new squadron and 23rd July he gave an order to start training with 17 new pilots. Squadron was divided on command part, staff, technical group and training group – cadets’ team.

On 19th August 1943, commander of the 1st  Polish Armed Corps issued an order and squadron was reshaped into regimental structure. Capt. Tadeusz Wicherkiewicz  took over commanding temporarily. In the end of August 1943, the first part of pilots accomplished basic training and they started combat training. Between September and October they achieved training successes. Whole training team could fly on combat aircraft JAK-9 individually: lt. Józef Zacharżewski i sergant major Ryszard Ber.

Due to the fact that Gridoriewskoje airfield was too small, next training groups were trained near Zytowo. Because of bad weather conditions they were placed on Kubinka airfield in Moscow. 
On 6th October regiment was named “Warszawa”. Pilots accepted that decision with enthusiasm. Warsaw was the soul of everything and was the first object on their air route. At the end of 1943, regiment made 12038 sorties in total time 2851 hours. On  23rd Febuary 1944, lt.col. Jan Tałdykin became the commander of the 1st Fighter Regiment „Warszawa”. Regiment got new airfield near Wolosowo.

Since 9th April 1944, regiment was changed on war structure. On 28th May 1944, training courses finished.  In that day soldiers took the oath. On 6th June 1944, 1st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” was relocated on Gostomel airfield near Kijow, where it stayed till 18th August. In that day regiment was relocated to dys airfield near Lublin. On 19th August , regiment was moved to Zadybie Stare front airfield near Garwolin.  39 pilots and 171 officers and technicians of ground team started combat operation. Regiment was equipped with 39 aircraft JAK-1 and 1 communication aircraft PO-2. 

The first task was to make reconnaissance of enemy’s defense line near Warka on 23rd August 1944. That task was accoplished by 2 aircrafts IŁ-2 under the cover of 4 JAK flown by lt.col Tałdykin, lt. Gabisa, capt. Matwiejew and warrant officer Chromy as well as  2 JAK  from Soviet  233rd   fighter regiment . Aircrafts came back with no loses.

In the first days of January offensive one noted the biggest intensity of flights.  For example on 16th January  they made 44 combat sorties, 17th January - 13, 18th January - 40, 19th January - 40 (included fighter cover of the first  military parade in free Warsaw) and 20th January – 49. From August 1944 to January 1945, regiment made 620 missions in total time 602 hours. Most of missions (86%)  were conducted as assistance provided to strike aircrafts, air cover for the army and river crossings and reconnaissance tasks. During combat missions regimental pilots fought 4 dogfights and they attacked ground objects  about 221 times.
From 2nd February 1945 regiment was relocated on Bydgoszcz airfield, where it participated in fights over Pomerania Defense Wall and Kolobrzeg city. The first aircrews took part in air battle as soon as they came. Pilots realized a lot of different  missions included strike missions against enemy forces near Piła, Mirosławiec, Złocieniec, Lubowo, Glinowo, Ostropol, Szczecinek, Białybor, Międzyborz i Chojnice and reconnaissance missions near Piła, Wałcz, Pomeranian Kalisz, Złocieniec, Drawsko, Czaplinek, Połczyn Zdroj, Białogard, Tychowo, Białobor, Szczecinek, Człuchow, Przechlew, Chojnice, Sępolno  and  Tuchola. They attacked goods trains and Nazi road convoys near Chojnice, Brusy. Pilots made 124 combat sorties in total time 169 hours in order to identify the enemy positions, it means: tanks battle line, heavy artillery positions and enemy troops. That missions were synchronized with land troops activity.
On 13th February 1945 lt. Gosciuminski was killed in action against Nazi aircraft near Ogorzelina. Next day, capt. Matwiejew didn’t come back . His aircraft was shot down near Pila while attacking of tank columnes.  
From 9th March, regiment was placed on Miroslawiec airfield. The main task was to provide assistance for strike aircrafts, making “ free hunting” near Kolobrzeg and recconaisance missions over see-shore.           

On 16th March 1945, regiment was hurt deeply. Lt.col. Jan Tałdykin was killed in action while he made combat mission. Commanding was continued by capt. Wasyl Gaszyn. All bat tle on Pomerania Wall lasted till 13th April 1945.  In that time 1st Fighter Regiment  accomplished 213 sorties in total time 276 hours. Pilots made 8 dogfights and made 121 strike missions destroying 2 heavy cars, 7 steem-engines, 1 goods train, 1 cargo aircraft Ju-52, 8 horse-drawn vehicles and 4 batteries of artillery. Those achievements were paid dearly for deaths of 4 pilots and destruction of 4 aircrafts JAK-9.       
On 14th April 1945, 1st Fighter Regiment Warszawa was replaced on Baranowka airfield in order to participate in     “ Berlin Operation”. The tactical situation was much more complicated than previous one. The Nazi Luftwaffe mobilized all air forces. There is a fact, that in period between 6th and 20th April, Polish and Soviet pilots made 841 dogfights.

During “Berlin Operation” , the regiment executed 3 main tasks:
-Air cover of battle lines and river crossings (by Odra) near Stara Odra, Welfen, Flatow, Bornicke, Weklefanz, Orarienburg,
-Sweeping and assistance mission to 3rd Strike Fighter Regiment  advantage near Bad - Freienwalde, Ferbellin, Dechtow, Neu Ruppin, Rethenow,
-Reconnaissance mission to 1st Polish Army advantage.

Execution of that missions was 12 sorties made on 16 April. The next day, pilots made 10 sorties, on the third day  88 ones, on the fourth day 65 and on the fifth day 59 totally. Regimental pilots acquitted themselves well on 19 April 1945. In that day they made 6 dogfights and destroyed 3 enemy aircrafts FW-190, with no own looses. Between 10 – 21 April, during “cross river cover  mission”, they made 12 dogfights and attacked enemy ground objects. Before Berlin operation, regiment was relocated on Lauenberg airfield about 40 km west from Odra river. During relocating, pilots won 3 victories over Nazi air forces: the first victory by lt. Haustowicz, the second by wo. Szwarc and the third by lt. Kalinowski. Regiment stayed on  Lauenberg airfield 4 days only. On 29 April, regiment was relocated on Wejlefanz airfield near Berlin. They made missions connected with covering of strike aircrafts operated over Berlin and land forces near Kremmem and Rupiner canal. On 1 May , pilots won 2 victories.       On 2 May, regiment was relocated to Mohtlow airfield. On 4 May 1945, combat operations of regiment were stopped. The last combat mission during the WW II, reconnaissance task near Hawelli, was made by lt. Bobrowski,  wo. Czownicki, lt. Haustowicz and lt. Łobacki. Combat air route of 1^st Fighter Regiment „Warszawa” ended. Regimental pilots made 56 dogfights destroying 9 enemy aircrafts and 6 very likely. For merits in fightings against Nazi regime, pilots were awarded with 146 Polish and Soviet combat medals. The battle standard was awarded with Virtuti Militari Cross, class 5. On 9 May 1945, 1^st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” obeyed an order in order to come back Poland on Bydgoszcz airfield. Young pilots, technicians and mechanics started training process in peacetime.The fact remains that pilots from 1^st Fighter Regiment were the first who were trained on new types of jet propulsion aircrafts: capt. Wiącek, capt. Bajczykow, capt. Gaszyn, cap. Krepski, capt. Paniewski, capt. Tanana, lt. Iwoń, lt. Smolnik, lt. Dobrzeniecki, lt. Płoszański, lt. Hermaszewski and others. Regimental pilots created new aerobatics and difficult pilotage formations on jet propulsion aircrafts. Many of them were participants during air shows. In 1956, “ Trio” consist of capt. Grundman, capt. Figurski and capt. Debowski made the difficulties pilotage formations over Okęcie airfield and abroad. The one Soviet general assessed that show as “ This is not simply flying, it is virtuosity”. In next year, “ Trio” expanded to “Five”, “Nine”, “Thirteen” formation, which delighted people with precision of flying, pilotage formations and beauty. In 1959, many pilots from 1^st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” took part in the first formation “ air surface” over Warszawa.In 60th, Polish Air Forces got new aircrafts – MiG-21. Pilots from 1^st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” trained themselves very quickly. Between 1945-2001, 1^st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” was specific “flagship” of Polish Air Forces. Next generations of pilots and technicians approved themselves to be masters in their profession. Pilots’ family names went down in history such as: capt. Grundman, capt. Pietrzak, lt. Dzienisik, lt. Kwiatkowski, capt. Mikiciuk.

Their realization of “arrowhead”, „air surface” and „rhomb” formations made people from Warsaw Treaty delighted.

In 1989, regiment was equipped with new aircrafts – MiG-29 Fulcrum.

Pilots trained themselves very quickly and they became familiar with new MiG-29. The number of foreign visits and air shows increased suddenly. In 1989, regiment started developing pre-war traditions of the “Kosciuszkowski” Fighter Regiments and Fighter Regiment “Warszawa”. New badges, emblems and chevrons appeared on aircrafts’ airframes and soldiers’ uniforms. Decisive moment linking History with present day was regimental holiday in 1993, where 1^st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” became legal inheritor of particular squadrons’ and regiments’ traditions derived from pre-war 1^st Fighter Regiment. Since 15^th of May 1993 the full regiment’s name run as follows: 1^st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” by general Stefan Pawlikowski. Famous veterans like col.  W. Urbanowicz, col. W, Kołaczkowski, col. W. Łokuciewski, col. Król, col. Sidorowicz, general  S. Skalski or col. S.Witorzeńć left memorabilia and their own inscriptions showing their gladness that  1^st Fighter Regiment “Warszawa” developed their traditions. Veterans were pleased that they could find their own pieces of live history, they could find their historical place.