The digital sounds you are hearing, the "packets and repeated spacer dits", are probably Link-11. Link-11 is a tactical data link that is used by USN, USCG, USAF, and NATO forces. Link-11 can be sent unencrypted, but almost never is.
Link-11 occupies the 6940 - 6950 kHz range periodically, and has been hitting it a lot lately.
An audio recording would confirm what it is.
T!