Clearance Divers lend a hand in typhoon clean up

A team of 10 clearance divers from Perth-based Clearance Diving Team Four was one of the many units brought together at short notice for the ADF’s Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST.

The team departed Townsville in HMAS Tobruk on 18 November and headed to the Philippines to assist with the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.

The diving team’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant M, said the team were at unit ready, having recently completed a unit assessment in Cairns.

“The team is excited and proud to be helping with this important mission,” Lieutenant M said.

“Our versatility will be a vital aspect as the mission evolves and different tasks are required.”

Lieutenant M said the team’s tasks would be varied.

“We are able to undertake wharf search and clearance, obstacle identification and clearance, and route clearance to support the land forces and locals as required.”