FORMOZA

FORMOZA is the name of the Special Operations Sections (Formoza - Sekcje Działań Specjalnych Marynarki Wojennej), which used to operate under the name of Special Naval Frogman Group. The Formoza was founded in 1974. Its first commander was a retired certified commander, Józef Rembisz. In 1974, a research team dealing with matters related to naval frogmen was created. The team was to draw up a concept for the organisation and formation of a special division of naval frogmen. The unit was originally intended to comprise three sections of frogmen, a technical section, section and management. But it was necessary to change this premise; a frogman could not go under the water without a safety leash. It was found possible to omit this regulation. A basic team now consists of a pair formed to safeguard each other, three pairs create a special group, five groups – a section. At the very beginning, conscripted soldiers served in the unit, nowadays the unit is entirely professional, which has increased its operating effectiveness. A three-year training system was preserved, for instance, during the first year, mainly shooting, swimming long distances, driving vehicles and foreign languages are practiced. In September 1987, the unit changed its name to Special Operations Department and the Special Naval Frogman Groups were created in 1990. The unit has formidable striking power, two frogmen may sink or take control of an enemy’s ship,several of them may block even a large group of ships. The Formoza is not an independent military unit, it is stationed in Gdynia. It is subordinated to the commander of the Group of Reconnaissance Ships (GORS), which constitutes a part of the 3rd Flotilla of Ships in Gdynia. Previously, the Formoza had been an independent unit for 15 years. Reportedly, the Special Operations Sections consist of six groups and a base. The Formoza is prepared for special operations in times of peace, crisis and war. Its basic tasks include the carrying out of operations on the sea, under water and in on-shore facilities. Usually the Formoza co-operates with a water unit of the Operational Mobile Response Group (GROM), the frogmen company of the 1st Special Regiment and some of its equivalents in the navies of the states belonging to NATO.----Equipment

Standard armament of the mariners from the Special Operations Sections: - a 9. calibre WIST 94 pistol, - a 9. calibre Pm-84P Glauberyt pistol, - a 5.56. calibre Beryl assault rifle, - a 7.62. calibre AKM carbine, - a 7.62. calibre PKM/PKSM universal machine gun.http://i37.tinypic.com/15mbwo8.jpghttp://i37.tinypic.com/wveej9.jpg