MARPAC HQ Naval Intelligence integrated into TRINITY Detachment Esquimalt

Maritime Component Element Intelligence Support Team West. Photo supplied

Lt(N) Redfern-Pucci,
TRINITY Det Esquimalt 

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On Oct. 30, the former Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters’ (MARPAC HQ) intelligence section was integrated into TRINITY Detachment Esquimalt. TRINITY is the unit responsible for providing operational support and intelligence to the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) deployed fleet. The merger is intended to improve intelligence support to the RCN’s Pacific fleet by increasing the West Coast’s access to intelligence resources and improving efficiencies. The integration of functions now provides TRINITY with seamless maritime intelligence responsibility for both coasts.

MARPAC HQ’s intelligence section has been rebranded as the Maritime Component Element Intelligence Support Team West (MIST(W)) and is one of three departments that form TRINITY Detachment Esquimalt. MIST(W) is accompanied in the detachment by the Acoustic Data Analysis Center Pacific and the multi-agency Marine Security Operations Centre West. The detachment will continue to be supported by MARPAC HQ and CFB Esquimalt as this symbiotic relationship evolves.

The head of department for TRINITY Detachment Esquimalt’s naval intelligence section commented on the change.

“The team at MARPAC HQ was wonderful but I’m excited to once again report to an intelligence chain of command. I expect that we will push the envelope farther and provide better support for the Pacific Fleet, both at home and abroad,” said Lieutenant Commander Chris Witters. 

The newly integrated TRINITY Detachment Esquimalt focus areas include: force generation; provision of specialized intelligence products to Joint Task Force Pacific; and support to the Cryptologic Direct Support Element, which helps with installation of mission critical equipment in the fleet. Further, MIST(W) will continue to provide maritime domain awareness and intelligence support to operational planning as well as current intelligence support to both Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific.