DPDU Trousers : RAN Clearance Diving Team 3

Trousers in 2003 type Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) fabric as used in Iraq. The knees of the trousers are reinforced with a second layer of fabric with sewn-in pleats to aid bending, and the ankles are adjustable by elastic cords. A slash pocket is located at each hip, a single patch pocket with central button closure on the right buttock, and a pair of pleated expanding pockets with concealed two button closures under flaps are located on the thighs. All buttons are of khaki plastic. The waist is closed by a nylon zipper fly and single button waistband, and is adjustable via fabric tabs and a pair of buttons at each hip. There are five large button-down belt loops on the waistband. An olive green fabric manufacturer's label is stitched to the lining of the right hand waist pocket, and gives cleaning and care instructions.

Issued to a member of Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team Three. AUSCDT THREE was deployed in support of Operation Falconer in February 2003. In early March, they took up residence at the Kuwait Naval Base on the coast not far from Kuwait city, where they engaged in equipment preparation and training, and on the morning of 24 March, they crossed the border into Iraq. Headquarters and accommodation were established at the old port of Umm Qasr where AUSCDT THREE divers quickly located a sunken minelayer with four live mines onboard. The team also participated in the clearing of ordinance from within the town itself. Umm Qasr was declared open on 9 April, and AUSCDT THREE immediately moved twenty kilometres further north, to the port of Khawr Az Zubayr. This port was also cleared in conjunction with other coalition dive teams, and explosive ordnance disposal patrols on the Al Faw peninsula were undertaken.