WA’s Team Three members recognised for Vietnam service
17 November 2010 By LEUT Gary McHugh
Friday, November 12 marked an important day for three Western Australian former clearance divers as they were formally awarded USN Unit Commendations for service in the Vietnam War.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane was at HMAS Stirling to present the awards to CDRE Clem Littleton AO (Rtd), LCDR Alex Donald DSC (Rtd) and former POCD John Thompson.
Vice Admiral Crane said the delay in awarding the commendations to members of Clearance Diving Team 3 was a result of government policy at the time and a subsequent administrative error.
“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to correct the record for the Clearance Diving Association members to celebrate their 60th anniversary next year under the banner of these prestigious awards,” he said.
“These men have received a rare honour from the United States Navy for conducting their explosive ordnance disposal duties with exceptional professional competence, disregard for their own safety and an unwavering devotion to duty.
“This sets the standard for not only our current clearance divers but for all those serving in today’s Royal Australian Navy.”
Commanding Officer of AUSCDT Four, LCDR Chris Leece said he and his team were honoured to host the event.
“The Clearance Diving branch has certainly changed since the Vietnam War, however the hazardous and demanding nature of the work has not,” he said.
“It is fitting that we have LEUT Richard Brickacek and LSCD Brendan Twine here today, two members of AUSCDT 4 who recently returned from Afghanistan.
“Both members received outstanding reports for their professionalism and courage during their arduous nine-month deployment and are a credit to the team.”
LCDR Leece said the tradition of camaraderie and the “can do” attitude in the face of great adversity that was evident in Vietnam was alive and well in today’s Clearance Diving branch.
CDT3 was active in Vietnam between 1967 and 1971 – the team was the first RAN unit to be deployed to Vietnam.
It was the first time an RAN unit had been employed on extensive land orientated explosives and ordinance tasks.
Forty three members of CDT3, one of whom was killed in Vietnam, are eligible for the commendations.
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