Founded 8 June 1243, Powidz is located only 30 km from Gniezno, the first capital of Poland. The town lies on the bank of Powidz lake which is 1174 hectares, up to 47 meters deep, and is nationally recognized as the cleanest lake in Poland!

The roots of 33rd Air Base trace back to the 7th Independent Dive Bomber Aviation Regiment, which was stationed at the Powidz Garrison since July 4, 1957. In 2009 the soldiers of the 33rd Air Base were entrusted with the mission of managing the Kaia Kabul Military Airport in Afghanistan. On July 1, 2010 the unit was designated as the 33rd Air Transport Base (BLTr). The 33rd is equipped with C-130 Hercules aircraft as well as W-3, M-28, Mi-2 and Mi-17 helicopters.