Clearance Diving Team 3 Recognized

[Don Boyer]

Somewhat late, but nice to see nonetheless. From the US Navy's Official Website:

SYDNEY, Australia (Oct. 1, 2010). Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, right, and Vice Adm. Russ Crane, left, Chief of Navy of the Royal Australian Navy, present United States Navy Unit Commendations to veterans and family members of Clearance Diving Team 3 of the Royal Australian Navy. During the ceremony at HMAS Waterhen Naval Base in Sydney, 43 members and/or family members of the Clearance Diving Team 3 received the awards for their service during the Vietnam War. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released)

Congratulations to all involved and their families.

Regards,

[John Odom]

It is about time!

[John O'Callaghan]

WOW! They must have delivered them by (Shetland) Pony Express. Any how Well done the Bubblies! BZ!

Cheers John O'C.

[Jackaroo]

Better late then never. Well done the Bubblies! BZ to all involved!

[Rob Hoole]

More news and photos about this well deserved recognition on the RAN Clearance Divers Association website Notice Board (http://www.rancd-association.com/id29.htm).

It must help when your Chief of the Navy is an MCD (Minewarfare & Clearance Diving Officer) himself. Vice Admiral Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN (http://www.navy.gov.au/Vice_Admiral_Russ_Crane) has risen from Junior Electrical Mechanic to become the most senior officer in the RAN. I worked with him while he occupied an exchange billet in the Minewarfare Training Section at HMS Vernon 1981-83 and he has been a good friend and staunch supporter of our own Association ever since. From all accounts, he has also been a breath of fresh air for the RAN.

The RAN Clearance Diving Branch celebrates its 60th anniversary next year.

[Pelican]

BOMB & MINE DISPOSAL OFFICER?
UK TV Channel 5 is at present running a series "R.N Caribbean Patrol" featuring HMS Manchester which has since paid off. During the farewell parade thru Manchester an officer, believed to be australian, who has been seen in the series, was spotted wearing a badge above his 2 and half rings as attached. Blurred as it is a 'screen shot' from a mini video. Question is WHAT IS THE BADGE? The following has been offered elsewhere. "The badge is that of a 'Bomb and Mine Disposal Officer" - Two dolphins nose to nose with a bomb between them." Can anyone please supply any information plus ideally a good image of the badge concerned? This appears to be an appropriate thread to post on but if not please point me in the right direction. Thank you. P.S. If you Google 'Manchester Evening News, HMS Manchester' you can view the video. Further foto attached.

[Rob Hoole]

Hello Mousey,

The individual in question is Lt Cdr Del McKnight RN, a Minewarfare & Clearance Diving Officer (MCDO). The badge on his left sleeve is a Diving & EOD Skill badge or brevet, not a branch badge, similar to a pilot's/observer's wings or the bomb disposal badges worn by similarly qualified Army and RAF personnel. It was introduced in 2006:

DIVING & EOD SKILL BADGE

Reference: RNTM 183/06

1. Officers qualified in Minewarfare & Clearance Diving (MCD) and WO (D) are now entitled to wear the Diving & EOD Skill badge iaw RNTM 183/06. The skill badge is worn on the left cuff, in the centre, 6 mm above the uppermost lace.

2. Pending Defence Clothing Integrated Project Team (DCIPT) issue, the D & EOD Skill Badges can be purchased from Baun's (cost £ 5.50) or Gieves & Hawkes, London (cost £12.50). A miniature for mess jackets will shortly be available from G & H (prototype under construction).

3. The D & EOD badge is grat issue to those entitled and will be available from the DCIPT in early 2007. The badge comes in one size only (reefer jacket) - the miniature (mess jacket) is not grat issue; it has to be purchased (same principle as miniature medals).

4. The skill badge can also be worn on tropical uniform where it is worn on a clutch & pin arrangement over the left breast above medal ribbons. It is considered that the G & H version, which is slightly proud, will be better suited.

I am attaching images of the design and the prototype cloth version. A hi res version of the badge is at http://www.mcdoa.org.uk/images/RN%20Diving%20&%20EOD%20Skill%20badge.jpg.

[Pelican]

Many thanks for your most comprehensive reply Rob. I will forward the information on to others who are equally interested.