On Thursday, April 30, 2026, a ceremonial roll call was held at the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin (PAFU) to mark the handover of duties as the university’s Commandant-Rector. During the event, held in front of the Monument to the Heroic Aviators of the Dęblin School of Eaglets, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz was represented by Stanisław Wziątek, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of National Defense.
Photos: Ministry of National Defence
The ceremony brought together command staff, academic faculty, and officer cadets, marking an important moment in the operation of Poland’s oldest aviation university. The duties of Commandant-Rector were entrusted to Col. Pilot Krzysztof Szymaniec, PhD Eng.
“The change in the command post is an expression of the continuity and responsibility of state institutions, which must be ready for every challenge,” Deputy Minister Stanisław Wziątek emphasized in his address.
During the ceremony, the Undersecretary of State expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Commandant-Rector, Brig. Gen. Pilot Krzysztof Cur, PhD Eng., for his contribution to the development of the teaching and research potential of the Polish Air Force University. The ceremony concluded with the laying of flowers at the monument commemorating generations of Polish aviators and a parade of subunits.
The Academic Community Welcomes the New PAFU Commandant-Rector
The welcome ceremony for the new Commandant-Rector was held in the morning of May 4 at the Rector’s Office of the Polish Air Force University. From the early hours, staff and officer cadets began gathering in the spacious hall to jointly welcome the new Commandant-Rector, Col. Pilot Krzysztof Szymaniec, PhD Eng.
Photos: Polish Air Force University
The atmosphere was solemn, yet at the same time full of warmth and genuine satisfaction at the prospect of the upcoming cooperation. When the Colonel appeared at the entrance to the Rector’s Office, those gathered welcomed him with due honors. Officer cadets, representing the young generation of future Air Force officers, stepped forward and presented a symbolic bouquet of flowers as a sign of respect, appreciation, and hope for fruitful cooperation. The gesture visibly moved the new Commandant-Rector. The culminating moment of the ceremony was the joint singing of the “Airmen’s March.” The song, one of the most important symbols of aviation tradition, rang out loudly within the academy’s walls, uniting everyone present, both experienced staff and officer cadets, in a shared sense of mission and service to the Homeland.
After the welcoming part of the ceremony, Col. Pilot Krzysztof Szymaniec, PhD Eng., took the floor. In a brief but warm address, he thanked everyone for such a kind and unexpected welcome on his first day of service at the Polish Air Force University. He expressed gratitude for the support shown and emphasized how much it meant to him to assume a position at such a prestigious university, one that educates the future personnel of Polish aviation. The ceremonial welcome concluded in an atmosphere of mutual respect and optimism, heralding a new chapter in the university’s history and the continued development of the Polish Air Force University under the leadership of its new Commandant-Rector.
The Polish Air Force University in Dęblin is a military university that educates qualified command and specialist personnel for all branches of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. It also prepares civilian-program graduates for work in institutions related to aviation, security, and national defense. The university conducts scientific research focused on developing the country’s defense and aviation potential.
Press release