Posted on 12/04/2008 5:07:53 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Pirates beware -- Blackwater Worldwide may be looking for you, and soon. That prospect certainly would shiver Bartholomew Roberts, better known as "Black Bart," down to his timbers if the infamous pirate hadn't been dead for the past 285 years.
The North Carolina-based security firm, which came under fire from Congress over a shooting incident in Baghdad last year that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead, announced in October that its 183-foot ship, the McArthur, stands ready to assist the shipping industry as it struggles with the increasing problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and elsewhere.
"Billions of dollars of goods move through the Gulf of Aden each year," said Bill Mathews, Blackwater's executive vice president. "We have been contacted by ship owners who say they need our help in making sure those goods get to their destination safely. The McArthur can help us accomplish that."
The International Maritime Bureau estimated that more than 100 ships have been attacked off Somalia alone since January. A total of 14 ships and 250 crew members are still being held for ransom.
Among them, the Saudi oil tanker Sirius Star and its cargo worth more than $100 million are still being held. The ship and its 25-member crew were seized on Nov. 14.
Just this week, pirates fired on a U.S. cruise ship carrying hundreds of passengers as it steamed across the Gulf of Aden on a 32-day cruise from Rome to Singapore.
Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell said more than 70 companies, including shipping and insurance firms, have contacted the security specialists for information on the McArthur, although she did not elaborate. She said meetings are taking place this week in London to explain to those interested what the company can provide.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
I’d do it. The money ought to be great.
Actually there is a UN group with US forces patrolling the Gulf to protect against pirates, and the Chinese Navy is now looking to help out to show their dedication to the world. It will be over soon those pirates won’t last, there isn’t that much coastline.
Just saw this at their site:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT THE BW-15
Q: What calibers are available?
A: Currently we are making weapons in 5.56mm. 6.8spc, and 7.62x39mm
Q: What barrel lengths do you offer?
A: Barrel lengths start at 16 inches. You can order longer barrels and you can request a 14.5 inch barrel with a pinned and permanently affixed flash hider to make total overall length 16 inches.
Q: What types of finishes are available?
A: All weapons have a standard anodized finish. We are not doing any coatings at this time.
Q: What accessories are included with the weapon?
A: All weapons are shipped with 2 Magpul 30 round magazines and a trigger lock.
Q: What is the starting price?
A: $1000.00 for a standard flattop M-4 with a logo and a carry handle.
Q: Do you have a price list?
A: Since these are custom built rifles there is not a price list. Standard flattop M-4 with a logo and a carry handle start at $1000.00.
Q: Do you have any pictures to review?
A: Since these are custom built rifles, there are no pictures of available rifles. We do have pictures of previously built custom weapons.
Q: What options can I get put on a rifle?
A: The numbers of possible options are too numerous to list. For further information please send an e-mail to bw15@blackwaterusa.com for price and availability.
Q: What is the magazine capacity?
A: All weapons are shipped with 2 Magpul 30 round magazines.
http://www.blackwaterusa.com/tech_inno/TI_bw15_FAQ.htm
The so-called pirates of today aren’t worthy of shining Roberts’ boots.
I’m thinking 4 guys armed with the old M-60 and a couple dozen boxes of ammo each would make for short work on the pirates. Let them get within 100 m, run to the rail and let loose.
BW should insist that a ship so protected fly the BW flag.
What is happening actually, is the creation of a conduit for superbly-trained men in our military to become skilled, highly paid mercenaries.
Blackwater HAS to have government connections despite claims to the contrary.
?? , there isn’t that much coastline. ??
It has more coastline than any other African nation.
Google earth is your friend.
..but..but..but..they will feel humiliated. Then they will feel humiliated when they cry about being humiliated.
I read that.
Heck, maybe that another Ramos and Campean on a grander scale?
You cannot have what happened that day in Iraq be more than an aberration.
Blackwater personnel must be held to a higher standard...just as the Border Patrol doesn’t need unarmed people getting shot in the a$$ everyday....if you know what I mean. ;^)
It’s a way of saying, you can’t act like you’re in Dodge City pre-Wyatt Earp.
I said Blackwater should get involved over 35 ships ago.
Mongol General: Hao! Dai ye! We won again! This is good, but what is best in life?
Mongol: The open steppe, fleet horse, falcons at your wrist, and the wind in your hair.
Mongol General: Wrong! Conan! What is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.
Mongol General: That is good! That is good.
I wish that were true. The pirates are armed with ordnance from communist block countries , including RPGs, shoulder launched ant-tank weapons, and crew served weapons on the larger boats.( remeber the pick up trucks with twin M.G.s?)
A-10 Warthogs are the best answer, flying on alert standby out of Djibuti. But the chances of that are very slim with " The One" coming into orifice.
Blackwater staff will need the works.
Official protection also has a nasty way of embroiling us in wars. This is politically safer.
I love the A-10. Many years ago whem stationed at England AFB, they were often in the sky above my farm. The very day they left for greener pastures, one of them visited and gave me a nice personal acrobatic display. I was so proud, as I would always run out of the house to wave when I heard them approach. One guy came back to say goodby. Hope he didn’t get in trouble.
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