The closure of an intelligence unit at CFB Esquimalt within the next two years wonB次元官网网址檛 jeopardize the West Coast navyB次元官网网址檚 ability to gather data, says an Oak Bay-based intelligence expert.
The Department of National Defence said it has already begun the process of merging its Acoustic Data Analysis Centre (Pacific) within a similar, but larger unit at CFB Halifax, a move that will create a one-time savings of $378,000.
Defence officials say the consolidation will save money, but wonB次元官网网址檛 impact the militaryB次元官网网址檚 ability B次元官网网址渢o meet operational objectives in the delivery of naval intelligence capability.B次元官网网址�
The 27 military personnel who work at ADAC Pacific are responsible for providing acoustic analysis, operational support and training B次元官网网址渢o enhance the overall combat effectiveness of maritime surface, subsurface and air fleets,B次元官网网址� the department said in a statement to the B次元官网网址.
Though the military remains tight-lipped about the exact nature of the work done at the unit, Alan Breakspear said personnel likely process and analyze sonar information, some of which is recorded at sea.
The navyB次元官网网址檚 ability to analyze this collected data wonB次元官网网址檛 be impacted by the West Coast unitB次元官网网址檚 closure, because the information will instead be sent to ADAC Atlantic for analysis, said Breakspear.
For decades, he worked in intelligence analysis and policy development for such federal agencies as Communications Security Establishment Canada and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, among others.
B次元官网网址淭he aim of the military, and the government, generally, is to have as complete a picture of whatB次元官网网址檚 coming towards Canadian territory as you possibly can,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭he more holes you have in your collection system, the more likely it is that something dangerous will slip through.
B次元官网网址淚 see no indication here that theyB次元官网网址檙e closing down a collection capability.B次元官网网址�
In fact, the move will be advantageous, he said.
B次元官网网址淲hat youB次元官网网址檙e getting is a stronger capability to do analysis, because youB次元官网网址檝e got more people there (on the East Coast) with more experience.B次元官网网址�
ADAC Atlantic opened in 1967. ADAC Pacific was established the following year as a detachment and became a unit 1994.
Technological advancements make their merger possible.
B次元官网网址淲ith the technology available, there is less need to be tied to a specific geographic location, and West Coast units will receive similar service from ADAC Atlantic,B次元官网网址� the defence department said.
emccracken@vicnews.com
