On October 1, 2009, The Naval Intelligence (N2) and Communications (N6) directorates merged. The new N2/N6 directorate is led by Vice Admiral Jack Dorsett. "The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) must be organized to achieve the integration and innovation necessary for warfighting dominance across the full spectrum of operations at sea, under the sea, in the air, in the littorals, and in the cyberspace and information domain," Roughead stated.[1] The newly aligned N2/N6 will be responsible for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), a central point of command for the synchronization of development of MDA hardware, networks, and international cooperation.[2]
This merger is in support of the establishment of Fleet Cyber Command, whose mission will be to “serve as [the] central operational authority for networks, intelligence, cryptology/signals intelligence, information operations, cyber, electronic warfare and space in support of forces afloat and ashore,” according to CNO Admiral Roughead.[3] While N2/N6 will focus on investments to ensure future dominance, Fleet Cyber Command will focus on operations.[4] No personnel were lost in the transition, but N6 personnel will be used to establish the Fleet Cyber Commander (FLTCYBERCOM), to serve as the Navy component commander to the U.S. Cyber Command. Vice Adm. Harry Harris is the DCNO for communication networks (OPNAV N6).[5]
Vice Admiral David J Dorsett(source: DOD)
