Navy’s explosive ordnance disposal experts, Clearance Diving Team 4, have completed a series of high-intensity training activities as part of Exercise Cuttlefish in the waters of Cockburn Sound, Western Australia.

An airborne mine disposal activity required a pair of divers to place disposal charges on simulated mines, then extract via an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter before initiating a controlled detonation.

Leading Seaman Joseph Taylor said it was a challenging scenario.

“It’s harder than you think, swimming under a hovering helo,” Leading Seaman Taylor said.

“The rotor wash sprays water everywhere, which makes it super hard to see what you are doing and being able to maintain situational awareness as well as the location of the mine.”

Exercise Cuttlefish is an Australian-only activity designed to enhance Navy’s underwater threat response capabilities.

Divers focus on advanced techniques in mine countermeasures, counter-improvised explosive device response and explosive ordnance disposal.

'It’s a step forward in refining Australian mine warfare tactics, techniques and procedures.'

Operations Officer Clearance Diving Team 4 Lieutenant Elliot Creagh said the exercise was a valuable opportunity for collaboration across specialist units.

“Our Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team worked closely with the Australian Mine Warfare Team and autonomous underwater vehicle operators to locate, identify and neutralise mine threats in the area of operations,” Lieutenant Creagh said.

“We also trained for modern improvised explosive device scenarios – reflecting what’s being encountered in current overseas theatres.

“Cuttlefish showed how adaptable and cooperative our teams are. It’s a step forward in refining Australian mine warfare tactics, techniques and procedures.”

Exercises like Cuttlefish contribute directly to Australia’s broader defence posture by ensuring that Navy can respond swiftly and effectively to underwater threats, whether in conflict, peacekeeping or disaster-relief scenarios.