pedigree of data, so when I mention all these different databases,
from cargo manifests to all the
cargo technology, we’ve got to be
able to validate all that data.
Lastly, we’re going to need
cheaper and more effective ways to
get open-ocean surveillance. If the
ship is not broadcasted by the
Automatic Identification System,
we’re going to have an airplane or
other means to find them. It’s
going to be expensive. That’s one
of the things I think, from a technology point of view, we need to
look at.
LISA NIPP
What progress has been made
in integrating the Navy and
Coast Guard in MDA operations and infrastructure?
STUBBS: I think we’ve had extraordinary and excellent progress with
the Navy and Coast Guard, and
our relationship with them is getting stronger. It’s constantly on an
up scope. The Navy and the Coast
Guard service chiefs, the commandant and chief of naval operations,
have frequent warfighting talks.
The Coast Guard has always been
interested in the vessel and the people. … The customs folks, they’re
interested in the cargo. So each has
different information. The Navy
might have security information …
that bears on this. They fuse that
information together and they can
make a better-informed decision. It really has been significant progress.
What is the most challenging problem in
achieving MDA?
STUBBS: I think the most challenging problem is getting people to understand that MDA requires a whole-of-government approach and answering the question
of why [it takes such an approach].
It’s not a negative challenge. [Other government
agencies] are good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars.
They’re not fighting for their agencies’ increased share
of budget dollars. They are held accountable by law
and statute to do certain missions. And so, blending
them into a harmonious whole is challenging because
… when you share information, you share it for differ-
ent purposes. Understanding where people are com-
ing from, having different requirements, different mis-
sions, and finding effective ways to bring about effort
is the challenge.
What efforts are being made to combine MDA
cooperation with allies and partners abroad?
STUBBS: There are truly significant efforts and accomplishments going on. Not only do you have outreach,
which is the way to international war games on MDA
