Anniversary of the arrival of Australian Naval Clearance Divers in Vietnam

Today marks 56 years since the arrival of the Australian Naval Clearance Diving Team Three in South Vietnam, an elite group who put their lives at risk clearing underwater mines and obstacles during the Vietnam War. 

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the task that faced the Australian Naval Clearance Divers was complex and dangerous. 

“Their work did not have the same profile as that carried out by other elements of the Royal Australian Navy such as the large surface vessels or the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam, but it was absolutely vital to the safety of military and civilian shipping during the Vietnam War.”

“The country's long coast and many rivers gave the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong many opportunities to attack and disrupt shipping with mines and underwater obstacles. The primary task of the Australian Naval Clearance Divers was to combat these threats, referred to as ‘Stable Door’ operations,” Minister Keogh said. 

The first of eight clearance diving contingents arrived in Vietnam on 6 February 1967, with each group performing difficult and dangerous tasks throughout the war. 

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Throughout the year, the Australian Government is recognising the contribution of our Vietnam veterans, at war and in the decades since. This will culminate in a national commemorative service in Canberra on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2023.

For more information about the service and the 50th anniversary, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website: www.dva.gov.au/VietnamCommemorativeService

Editor’s note: For veterans and families this day may be an emotional time and lead to feelings of distress. You are encouraged to include the contact information for Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling in your stories. Open Arms is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit OpenArms.gov.au.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608