DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news.
by David Crane
david@defensereview.com
DefRev had the pleasure of running into Caleb Crye of Crye Associates/Crye Precision and the boys from Michaels of Oregon at IACP, and taking a look at the product(s) of their new collaberation, Blackwater Gear™, at the Blackwater Gear™ booth. Definitely some cool stuff. We’ll report more on the new Blackwater Gear™ later. In the meantime, click here to read a previously published blurb/article on the Crye Associates/Crye Precision MultiCam multi-environment camouflage pattern. The following is a copy of the Michael’s of Oregon press release on Blackwater Gear™:
Michaels of Oregon, Blackwater USA and Crye Associates Launch Blackwater Gear™
Tactical line will combine innovation and realism to achieve life-saving solutions.
OREGON CITY, OR – September 24, 2004 –
Michaels of Oregon in partnership with Blackwater USA and Crye Associates today announced the launch of the Blackwater Gear™ line of tactical equipment and other related products designed for military and law enforcement agencies.
Representing a leap forward in tactical gear innovation and design, Blackwater Gear will be…
manufactured and distributed in the USA by Michaels of Oregon with designs by Crye Associates. The Blackwater Gear line will feature full body armor and tactical accessories that have been developed and tested with input from Blackwater USA employees with unique first-hand knowledge of the tactical needs of today’s military and law enforcement agencies.
“The launch of Blackwater Gear is a union of three companies. The design of Crye Associates, the real world experience of Blackwater USA and the domestic manufacturing capabilities of Michaels of Oregon have all been unified to produce the finest tactical line available for those that protect our freedom,” said Dennis Pixton, CEO of Michaels of Oregon.
“Blackwater Gear has been developed for professionals who risk their lives for democracy worldwide,” said Gary Jackson, President of Blackwater USA. “Blackwater stands for the best…when we decided to put our name to a product line we knew it had to be different. Blackwater Gear is different; designed by Crye Associates, manufactured by Michaels of Oregon, tested at Blackwater Training Center and in harsh and austere environments around the world; Blackwater Gear brings tactical equipment to the next level.”
Caleb Crye, President of Crye Associates, added “Blackwater wanted to provide a new level of quality, innovation, and utility for the professional operator and that is what we and Michaels of Oregon have helped them to create; a truly innovate line of highly effective and distinctive gear. Blackwater Gear is original and unique to the operator world. Many design features of Blackwater Gear set it apart, like the exclusive use of water resistant #10 zippers, and a unique attachment system that allows every pouch to integrate seamlessly with modular systems or traditional web-gear and belts. Both Blackwater and Michaels of Oregon share our commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and American manufacturing.”
Blackwater Gear is scheduled to be available in January 2005. For questions or inquiries on ordering, please contact Robert Gates at 706-651-8644 or Michael Pattillo at 706-628-7126 or visit www.blackwatergear.com.
About Michaels of Oregon
Michaels of Oregon is the leading manufacturer of hunting, shooting and law enforcement accessories. Headquartered in Oregon City, OR, the company also has offices in Meridian, ID and New Ulm, MN. Under the brand names Uncle Mike’s®, Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement®, Butler Creek®, Hoppe’s® and Stoney Point ®, Michaels of Oregon manufactures and distributes holsters, slings, swivels, gun cases, belts, gun cleaning products and other hunting, shooting and law enforcement gear.
About Blackwater USA
Blackwater USA was founded in 1997. Built on 6,000 acres, Blackwater was designed to be the premier firearms and tactical training center in the world. The Company’s reputation for quality service has gained the attention of law enforcement and government agencies around the globe. The organization has grown rapidly since its creation and has quickly produced five separate business units: Blackwater Training Center, Blackwater Target Systems, Blackwater Security Consulting, Blackwater Aviation Worldwide Services, and Blackwater Canine. The Company maintains a global presence and provides 21st century training and tactical solutions to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, allied nations, multi national corporations and other government agencies.
About Crye Associates
Crye Associates is a design and engineering group specializing in the design and development of personal military equipment. They work directly with several DOD agencies and with private companies in the related industry. Crye Associates applies technical innovation and user-focus to solve the real-world design and engineering problems of today’s military.
Media Contact
Ben Sheppard
Public Relations/Communications
503-722-5718
bens@michaelsoforegon.com
Click here to read the original press release for Blackwater Gear™ at the Michaels of Oregon website.
