Sabotage of missile system an inside job?

Press, 19 February 1983, Page 6

Sabotage of missile system an inside job?

PA Wellington The police believe the sabotaging of the frigate Otago’s Seacat missile system was an “inside.job".

The Minister of Defence, Mr Thomson, said the incident “did not represent a breakdown in security arrangements in the ship which were designed to ensure that no unauthorised person came aboard."

A 'report on the damage, caused when a screwdriver was plunged into parts of the control system as they lay wrapped on the ship's deck, made it clear "there was no question of inefficiency or lax procedures,” the Minister said.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said that at the time of the incident, reported at Christmas, the Otago was berthed at Auckland for a refit. Both ship's company and civilian dockyard workers had access to the ship at that time, he said.

the Minister said the fullest investigation had not yet made it possible to lay a charge. However. Mr Thomson, said. “Wilful damage to mili-

tary equipment is a serious offence, inviting heavy penalties. Every effort will be made to find out who was responsible." The report said investigations showed that a spare gyro unit for the control system of the missiles was maliciously damaged by a person or persons unknown. The damage was undoubtedly premediatated and by someone who had at least a reasonable knowledge of the Seacat system, Mr Thomson said. The operational efficiency of the ship was affected for a few hours until a spare was fitted and tested. Mr Thomson said this was an isolated incident but he said he was disappointed that responsibility for it could not be “sheeted home". However, over-all security measures were adequate and no blame could be attached to those responsible for the operational efficiency of the ship, he said. He had asked the Chief of Naval Staff to tighten clearance procedures and control access to warships.