Australia Defence Force’s Able Seaman Ryan along with three other members of the Clearance Dive Team Four were involved in the location and removal of an underwater improvised explosive device in Western Australia in 2013. 

However, it was a chance encounter that lead Able Seaman Ryan to a career as a clearance diver with the Australian Defence Force. 

“Originally I was a diving instructor and personal trainer,” he said.

“I’d never heard of a clearance diver before, but I was up in Cairns when someone told me about it – I started looking into it and it was right up my alley. It’s both passions joined into one.”

Despite an usual route into the navy, Able Seaman Ryan had always dreamed of joining the defence force. 

“Ever since I was little I wanted to join,” he said.

“It’s not something I can pinpoint it was just something I always knew I’d eventually get into. I liked the idea of fighting for my country and doing my bit.”

Able Seaman Ryan has been in the defence force for six years as a clearance diver and trainer and is currently on leave. He said he was excited to receive the Group Bravery Citation.

Able Seaman Ryan said the team were called to a suspicious package, an underwater improvised explosive device, in the water near Australind Jetty. The device was towed to a secluded area and detonated. Able Seaman said the team were well prepared and trained. 

“Once you go through basic training you train with the team on a daily basis for these types of situations,” he said.