Industry sources said Xe, the new name for Blackwater, has been
operating through front companies in Iraq. They said Xe continues to supply
foreign security guards to protect a range of sites connected to the U.S.
military. The company was also expected to provide some security services to
U.S. diplomatic personnel until September 2009.
DynCorp has maintained scores of different aircraft — both rotary and
fixed-wing — for all branches of the U.S. military. The company has been
struggling amid high overhead and a lower-than-expected sales volume.
Regardless, DynCorp, responsible for guarding U.S. embassies and
consulates throughout the Middle East, has been awarded a one-year contract
to provide aviation services for the State Department. The order, under the
Worldwide Personal Protective Services contract with the State Department's
Bureau of Diplomatic Security, began on June 15 and includes four one-year
options, with a total value of $915 million.
DynCorp was expected to provide personnel, ground and flight operations
as well as basing and maintenance of rotary wing and fixed air
assets. Executives said the company has undergone a transition period, with
full services throughout Iraq to begin on Sept. 4.
"It's an honor to contribute to our government’s efforts to promote
peace and stability in Iraq, for us as a company and for every person who
serves with us," Ballhaus said.
