Description
Description: RAN – Clearance Diver Team 4 – Operation Slipper EOD tan patch.
Maker’s Name: Unknown
Condition: Near mint
Comments: Royal Australian Navy – Clearance Diver Team 4 – Operation Slipper EOD tan patch with Velcro back (Afghanistan Deployment). Approximate diameter 90mm.
The Clearance Diving Teams (CDT) of the Royal Australian Navy also act as commando frogmen: they consist of naval personnel who are qualified in diving, demolitions, underwater repairs, and reconnaissance. They fulfil a Maritime Counter-Terrorist role as part of the waterborne troop of the Tactical Assault Group East (TAG EAST).
There are two standing units based in Australia:
* Clearance Diving Team One (AUSCDT ONE); assigned to the east of Australia and based at HMAS Waterhen in New South Wales
* Clearance Diving Team Four (AUSCDT FOUR); assigned to the west of Australia and based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia
A third unit, Clearance Diving Team Three (AUSCDT THREE) is formed when clearance divers are sent into combat. CDT 3 saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, and during the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq War.
