Approval Dive Cluster 3 – “Joined and you will Undaunted”

Between 1965 and 1972 parts of the new Ran undertook persisted operational solution into the Vietnam. The newest RAN’s first contribution consisted of destroyers, Fleet Sky Case professionals connected to a beneficial All of us (US) Military violence chopper company in addition to Regal Australian Heavens Force’s (RAAF’s) No. 9 Squadron, an approval Diving People, and Bern strip prostitutes good logistic service push comprising transport and you may escort boats. Most other Ran personnel supported ashore for the scientific organizations or performed professionals requirements on Australian Embassy when you look at the Saigon or the Australian Activity Push Headquarters in the Nui Dat. The newest Went Fleet Ring together with done a primary journey from Vietnam funny soldiers while in the attacks regarding people and you will athletics (RR).

New Vietnam Battle was not a significantly naval argument but for the fresh 13,five-hundred members of this new Went just who watched energetic provider it had been positively a premier tempo environment. Brand new RAN’s sum, even though small in comparison with regarding the usa Navy (USN), try diverse and you may played a significant part regarding Australian Pushes total connection.

Early goodwill check outs

Though the RAN did not become operationally involved in the Vietnam conflict until 1965, HMA Ships Vampire and Quickmatch were the first ships in the area when they made a goodwill visit to Saigon in 1962. They were followed the next year by the Q Class destroyers HMA Ships Quiberon and Queenborough. These were not operational visits: but designed to show Australian government support for the government in Saigon, and members of the ship’s company visited the Vietnamese Special Forces training centre and carried out other ‘flag showing’ activities. During the 1963 visit the small Vietnamese naval vessel K? Hoa accidently rammed and holed Quiberon while coming alongside her.

During this time period brand new Navy performed several operational jobs in the sea, ashore plus in the atmosphere

Clearly among smallest, and unrivalled, Australian gadgets so you’re able to suffice for the Vietnam are Australian Approval Dive Party Three (CDT3). These were an elite group away from forty two officials and you can guys; divers trained in the brand new hazardous business from explosive ordnance fingertips, who situated a desirable history of bravery and you will invention eventually of war about heart of your own diver’s motto “Joined and you can Undaunted”.

The Went officially depending an approval Plunge branch in 1951, and you may a cellular Approval Plunge Cluster inside the 1956. In the s have been accredited when you look at the Questionnaire – CDT1 and you can CDT2. Soon thereafter CDT1 deployed for training into the South-east Asia, as well as 7 days during the Vietnam performing surgery using their American competitors. The brand new Commanding Officer away from CDT1 try of your own take a look at one to good Ran plunge team would make an advisable share on Australian work for the Vietnam and best if CDT1 be implemented to possess an effective three to six few days several months. Brand new Ran recognized the forming of CDT3 into the late 1966 because you to definitely part of a bigger naval contribution towards conflict into the Vietnam.

The first contingent of six personnel arrived in Vietnam on 6 February 1967 and were initially attached to a United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team based in Saigon. They then moved to Vung Tau and assumed responsibility for the defence of shipping against enemy attack, known as Operation STABLE DOOR. The team was responsible for searching the hulls and anchor cables of shipping in the Vung Tau anchorages or alongside, for improvised explosive devices. In one particular incident, Viet Cong sappers penetrated the Vung Tau port area and placed home made and Russian limpet mines on the hull of the MV Heredia and a nearby wharf. The home made device partially exploded during search operations, and team members removed the Russian mine. Additional tasks included the salvage of downed military helicopters, searching villages for ammunition caches and demolishing Viet Cong cave and tunnel complexes.