On Friday, 28 November 2025, at the Naval Port in Świnoujście, ceremonies marking the Polish Navy Day were held with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Director of the Department of Command and Control over the Armed Forces and Uniformed Services Maj. Gen. Adam Rzeczkowski, Deputy Minister Stanisław Wziątek, and the command staff of the Polish Armed Forces.
Photos: corporal Wojciech Król/MON
“This is a wonderful celebration for the Navy this year. (…) History shows that Poland has always been present on and by the sea. The Polish Navy protects the Baltic, but it also operates in other waters, taking part in missions and exercises. There is no Poland without the Baltic, and there is no Poland without the Navy. We meet at a moment when the Government of the Republic of Poland has made the decision to finalize the ORKA program and acquire submarines for the Navy. The ORKA program changes the strategic position of the Navy and the security of Poland. With this decision and the choice of a partner nation – Sweden – we are building a new security architecture in the Baltic Sea,” said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in Świnoujście (Everything We Know About the Swedish Submarine for Poland’s Orka Program).
28 November 2025 marks 107 years since Marshal Józef Piłsudski issued the decree ordering the establishment of the Navy.
“As of 28 November 1918, I order the establishment of the Polish Navy, appointing Colonel of the Navy Bogumił Nowotny as the head of the Naval Section at the Ministry of Military Affairs” – with this decree, the Head of State, Józef Piłsudski, began the modern history of the naval branch of the Armed Forces. Since then, without interruption, the Navy has carried out tasks in support of Poland’s maritime national interest.
During the ceremony in Świnoujście, the Minister of National Defence and the Director of the Department of Command and Control over the Armed Forces and Uniformed Services at the National Security Bureau presented state and departmental decorations to sailors who distinguished themselves through exemplary service, professionalism, and exceptional commitment to performing their duties. The General Commander of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Marek Sokołowski, awarded honorary naval daggers, and the Inspector of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jarosław Ziemiański, presented ship-command patents.
“ORKA is not only about purchasing military equipment, capabilities, skills, technology transfer, or investments in the Polish defense industry. It is not just a contract for the acquisition of three naval vessels. It is an agreement on supporting and integrating our capabilities. (…) The Baltic Sea has become an internal NATO sea, with a small but dangerous exception, and our activities revolve around it – protecting critical infrastructure, patrolling, maintaining the security of trade routes. All of this is interconnected. There is no secure Baltic without the Polish Navy,” the Minister of Defence said about the ORKA program.
During the ceremony, the Minister of National Defence announced changes to sailors’ pay and the introduction of special allowances.
“I have decided to grant all sailors who go to sea a special allowance of PLN 180 for each day involving at least six hours at sea. This decision also applies to divers who operate both at sea and in other waters,” said the Minister of Defence.
At the end, the Deputy Prime Minister extended his wishes to all sailors on the occasion of today’s Polish Navy Day:
“To all those gathered here, and to the entire Navy community, I express, on behalf of the Republic of Poland, the highest recognition and gratitude. We need your capabilities, your skills, and your dedication. May this holiday bring you satisfaction from your service, your mission, and all that you do for our beloved homeland.”
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