prototype The first Romanian seaplane squadron was founded in 1920 by Royal Decree no. 2256 bis, from 15 May 1920, under the command of
Captain Constantin Negru. It was named
Escadrila de hydroplane and consisted of 12
Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 floatplanes and
Hansa-Brandenburg FB flying boats. In 1925 four native-built
RAS-1 Getta training
flying boats were added. In 1921, the base of the naval aviation was moved to a new base on
Lake Siutghiol.
Operational history in World War II In 1941, the
Comandamentul Aero Dobrogea (Dobrogea Aero Command) was established, including the Seaplane Flotilla (headquartered at Palazu Mare on Lake Siutghiol) and the
53rd Fighter Squadron (located on the
Mamaia airfield). The command was subordinated to the Royal Romanian Navy. On 26 March 1942, its name was changed to
Comandamentul Aero Marină (Marine Aero Command). The aircraft and their crews proved their worth in
reconnaissance missions along the coast and offshore to the
Crimean coast, in the northern
Black Sea basin or on the coasts of
Asia Minor, as well as in
anti-submarine and convoy escort missions. Throughout the war, Romania lost 8 seaplanes, of which 7 were due to accidents.
Italian flying boats Before the war, Romania acquired seven
Savoia-Marchetti S.55 double-hulled flying boats as well as eleven
Savoia-Marchetti SM.62 biplane flying boats. Five of the latter were licence-built locally at the
IAR factory in
Brașov. In 1941, twelve
CANT Z.501 were also purchased. The twelve Z.501s formed
Escadrila 101, with more acquired later for
Escadrila 102, which also possessed an unspecified number of
Savoia-Marchetti S.56. An unspecified amount of
Savoia-Marchetti S.59 was also acquired before the war.
German floatplanes For training purposes, three
Heinkel He 42 were purchased. During the war, 34
Heinkel He 114 were also acquired, followed by an unspecified amount of
Arado Ar 196. ==Post-war==