Shortly thereafter CDT1 deployed for exercises in South East Asia, including one week in Vietnam conducting operations with their American counterparts. In March 1966 two distinct teams were commissioned in Sydney - CDT1 and CDT2. The RAN formally established a Clearance Diving branch in 1951, and a Mobile Clearance Diving Team in 1956. They were an elite group of 49 officers and men divers trained in the dangerous business of explosive ordnance disposal, who established an enviable reputation for courage and innovation in time of war in the spirit of the diver's motto “United and Undaunted”. Without doubt one of the smallest, and unrivalled, Australian units to serve in Vietnam was Australian Clearance Diving Team Three (CDT3). The RAN’s contribution, although small in comparison to that of the United States Navy (USN), was diverse and played a significant part in the Australian Forces overall commitment. The Vietnam War was not a markedly naval conflict but for the 13,500 members of the RAN who saw active service it was undoubtedly a high tempo environment. The RAN Fleet Band also completed a short tour of Vietnam entertaining troops during periods of rest and recreation (R&R). Other RAN personnel served ashore in medical teams or performed staff duties at the Australian Embassy in Saigon or the Australian Task Force Headquarters in Nui Dat. 9 Squadron, a Clearance Diving Team, and a logistic support force consisting of transport and escort ships. The RAN’s primary contribution consisted of destroyers, Fleet Air Arm personnel attached to a United States (US) Army assault helicopter company and the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) No. During this period the Navy performed a variety of operational tasks at sea, ashore and in the air.
Between 19 elements of the RAN undertook continuous operational service in Vietnam.
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