In March 1968, a dedicated Land Clearing Team was formed by 17th Construction Squadron elements at Nui Dat to supplement existing arrangements. One particular operation, codenamed "Cooktown Orchid" conducted in April 1968, saw a large element of Plant Troop deploy under infantry and armoured protection to clear undergrowth and trees in the foothills of the Long Hai mountains.
In March 1968, a specialized Land Clearing Team was established by elements of the 17th Construction Squadron at Nui Dat to augment existing clearing efforts. A significant operation called "Cooktown Orchid," which occurred in April 1968, involved Plant Troop deploying under infantry and armored protection to clear vegetation in the foothills of the Long Hai mountains.