Blackwater USA -- the company at the center of a brewing storm over private contractors -- isn't letting a little controversy get them down. No, they're focused on expansion, and the latest addition is a ship that can be used for everything from anti-terrorism to special operations missions.
Lost amid the latest brouhaha, was a small report that Blackwater had bought and refurbished the McArthur, a 183-ft. ship that boasts "state of the art navigation systems, full GMDDSS communications, SEATEL Broadband, dedicated command and control bas, helicopter decks, hospital and multiple support vessel capabilities."
Under the new banner of "Blackwater Maritime Solutions," the world's most notorious merc outfit private security contractor now has the three "services:" Land, Air and Sea.
Okay, this isn't quite the Armada. According to Blackwater literature, the McArthur could cover a number of humanitarian missions, in addition to military roles. Other nifty capabilities include: "UAV launch and recovery"; "Function as a 'mother ship' supporting smaller patrol craft and helicopters"; and "Provide support to combat illegal Unregulated Unreported (IUU) fisheries activities worldwide."
The company reportedly wouldn't comment on the vessel when news about the purchase came out last month, but Blackwater brochures on the McArthur are prominently displayed at its booth at this year's Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) meeting going on now in Washington.
By the way, Blackwater, based on their booth at AUSA here in Washington, is working very, very hard to revamp their image.
More on that later.
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