Navy’s undercover brothers
In recent months the RAN’s AUSCDT One has been busy beneath the surface as it participated in operations and exercises around the globe. Navy News takes a peek at what this close band of brothers has been up to.

ALL CLEAR: ABCD Simon Scott, HMAS Norman, keeps an eye on the Yarra River during Operation Acolyte. Photo: CPL Belinda Mepham

SWINGINGLY: An RAN diver rappels from a US MH-60S helicopter during a Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique (HRST) training exercise on Exercise Tri-Crab.

Photo: US Navy Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Nathanael Miller.

WELL SUITED: A Navy reserve cadet becomes accustomed to a bomb suit during an activity where 80 cadets enjoyed a day with HMAS Norman and AUSCDT One in Melbourne.

Volume 49, No. 10, June 15, 2006

Exercise and operations, both interstate and internationally, have kept the Australian Clearance Diving Team (AUSCDT) One very busy during the last couple of months.


The team’s participation in Operation Acolyte, the ADF’s contribution to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, proved a unique opportunity to work with Victoria Police.

AUSCDT One conducted both surface and sub-surface searches of Games venues, public walkways, bridges and the fish sculptures that featured during the Game’s opening ceremony.

AUSCDT One and members of HMAS Waterhen’s Route Survey Cell also conducted a side-scan survey of the Yarra River, identifying and diving more than 250 contacts, which varied from car bodies and garbage bins to safes (all empty).

Also while in Melbourne, AUSCDT One and HMAS Norman hosted more than 80 Australian Navy reserve cadets.

The cadets came from various training ships throughout Victoria with some travelling from as far as Albury/Wodonga.

The cadets were briefed on the team’s roles and capabilities before being shown specialist equipment such as: a bomb suit; LAR VI rebreather; Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) equipment; and the towed sonar array that are commonly used by members of AUSCDT One.

The cadets were also taken for a run in the team’s fast RHIB, which was unanimously voted the highlight of the day, before proceeding to HMAS Norman for a visit of the ship and her facilities.

The day concluded with a barbecue and a couple of videos aimed at drawing interest in not only the Clearance Diving branch but also the RAN as a career option.

The Australian reserve cadet units continue to train and educate young men and women in Navy life and values, and provide a rich source of recruitment.

All those who attended enjoyed the day immensely and special mention is made to TS Voyager staff and cadets for the use of their facilities during last year’s Unit Readiness Evaluation and this year’s activities.

Merely two weeks after returning from Melbourne, a contingent from AUSCDT One, with eight members from AUSCDT Four and RAAF EOD, travelled to Guam to conduct Exercise Tri-Crab alongside Republic of Singapore Navy and US Navy (USN) EOD units.

A structured phase that included fast-roping, repelling, diving, and robot training prepared all for a tactical phase that modelled itself on experiences and situations that are being found in the Middle Eastern Area of Operations.
It proved invaluable for all participants and created bonds between all involved.

The exercise culminated on Anzac Day, with a ceremony held at USN Mobile EOD Unit Five’s headquarters.

A fantastic day was had by all with highlights including two-up and a visit by Barnacle Bill the sailor.
Along with the busy operational tempo at AUSCDT One, the Underwater Battle Damage Repair (UBDR) element has been busy with a number of fleet required tasks.

These included assisting in preparing MV Pong Su for its scuttling, as well as an Auxiliary Propulsion Unit change-out on HMAS Newcastle and numerous hull and propeller cleans for other HMA Ships.

AUSCDT One will conduct exercises in Malaysia (Western Pacific Naval Symposium DIVEX) during early June and Hawaii (RIMPAC 06) throughout July while maintaining these capabilities, “United and Undaunted”.

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