DynCorp

DynCorp International Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Military contracting and service provision
Founded	14 January 1946 (1946-01-14) established in Delaware under the name California Eastern Aviation
Defunct	21 April 2021 (2021-04-21)
Fate	Purchased by Amentum
Successor	Amentum
Headquarters	McLean, Virginia (2013)
Area served	Global
Key people	George Krivo (CEO) (2017)
Products	Aviation maintenance services, air operations management, drug eradication programs, law enforcement instruction, logistics support, contingency operations management, security solutions, land vehicle operations and maintenance (including MRAPs), aircraft upkeep, support equipment servicing, weapons systems maintenance, intelligence training and solutions delivery, international development initiatives
Revenue	US$ 3.047 billion (2010)Template:Fix/category
Operating income	US$ 120.00 million (2008)Template:Fix/category
Net income	US$ 47.95 million (2008)Template:Fix/category
Total assets	US$ 1.402 billion (2008)Template:Fix/category
Total equity	US$ 424.29 million (2008)Template:Fix/category
Owner	Cerberus Capital Management
Number of employees	14,000 (2007)Template:Fix/category
Website	Dyn-intl.com

DynCorp International Inc. (), was a U.S.-based private military contractor. Initially founded as an aviation enterprise, DynCorp broadened its scope to include flight operations support, mentoring and training services, international development projects, intelligence assistance, contingency operations support, security offerings, and maintenance for ground vehicles. The vast majority—over ninety-six percent—of its approximately $3 billion annual revenue derived from contracts with the U.S. federal government. Headquartered near Falls Church in Fairfax County, Virginia with contract oversight based at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, DynCorp provided services supporting U.S. military missions globally including locations such as Bolivia, Bosnia, Somalia, Angola, Haiti, Colombia, Kosovo and Kuwait. The firm was responsible for securing Afghan president Hamid Karzai's presidential guard and also conducted police training programs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, it contributed to recovery operations following Hurricane Katrina. Since securing its initial Contract Field Teams agreement in 1951, DynCorp maintained an uninterrupted role in government contracting.

In the year 2020, defense services conglomerate Amentum, headquartered in Germantown, acquired DynCorp. Subsequently on April 21, 2021 the DynCorp brand was discontinued as personnel and operations were merged into Amentum.

California Eastern Aviation (1946–1961)

California Eastern Aviation was established in Delaware on January 14, 1946. Initially functioning as a common carrier until 1948, it transported freight across the United States from coast to coast and was among the leading domestic cargo operators of that era. Financial difficulties led to its bankruptcy filing in May 1948. Following this, the company discontinued its common carrier services, leased out its aircraft, and emerged from bankruptcy by 1950. Throughout the 1950s, it operated as an uncertificated carrier, providing air transport services for the US military. Its California Eastern Airways division played a crucial role during the Korean War, supporting operations at the DEW Line, and assisting US missions in the Philippines and French Indochina, with staff deployed in locations such as Tokyo, Hawaii, and Wake Island. The airline’s fleet included Douglas DC-4 and Lockheed Constellation aircraft. In 1959, it obtained provisional certification as a supplemental air carrier, organized into two divisions—airline operations and Flight Training—and subsidiaries Land-Air and Air Carrier Service Corp. Land-Air secured contracts for instrumentation and research at White Sands Missile Range. The following year, California Eastern divested its airline division to President Airlines.

DynCorp’s roots extend back to two enterprises founded in 1946: California Eastern Airways (CEA), an air freight company, and Land-Air Inc., specializing in aircraft maintenance. CEA was launched by World War II veterans transitioning into air cargo services, quickly establishing routes between both coasts. The company expanded into government aviation contracts and management services, including transporting supplies during the Korean War, and earned long-term contracts at White Sands Missile Range—clients DynCorp would continue serving for many years.

In 1951, Land-Air Inc., recognized for pioneering Contract Field Teams that provided military aircraft maintenance to the United States Air Force, was acquired by California Eastern Aviation Inc. DynCorp still retains this contract more than five decades later, servicing rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. At that period, the company’s revenue reached $6 million.

In 1952, after being renamed California Eastern Aviation, Inc., the company merged with Air Carrier Service Corporation (AIRCAR), a supplier of commercial aircraft and spare parts to international airlines and governments.

Dynalectron (1962–1987)

By 1961, California Eastern Aviation had rebranded as Dynalectron Corporation, a name selected from among 5,000 employee submissions. In 1976, Dynalectron established its corporate headquarters in McLean, Virginia. To better manage its growing operations, the firm reorganized into four primary divisions: Specialty Contracting, Energy, Government Services, and Aviation Services. Over three decades since inception, Dynalectron acquired 19 companies, held assets valued at $88 million, maintained a $250 million backlog of contracts, employed approximately 7,000 people, and generated annual revenues of $300 million.

In 1964, Dynalectron expanded into energy services by purchasing Hydrocarbon Research, Inc., which developed the H-Coal process—a technology converting coal into synthetic liquid fuels. This innovation gained significance during the oil crises of the 1970s caused by the Arab Oil Embargo. By the early 1980s, major corporations such as Texaco, Ruhrkohle, and Itochu were marketing Dynalectron’s H-Oil technology.

Between 1976 and 1981, Dynalectron completed two public stock offerings and acquired an additional fourteen companies. By 1986, it had grown to become one of the largest defense contractors in North America.

DynCorp’s Growth and Development (1987–2003)

In 1987, the company formerly known as Dynalectron adopted the name DynCorp. A year later, to prevent a hostile acquisition attempt by financier Victor Posner, DynCorp transitioned to a private entity through an employee-driven effort led by Daniel R. Bannister, who had progressed from an electronics technician in 1953 to serve as president and CEO from 1985 to 1997.

By 1994, DynCorp’s annual revenue was nearing the US$1 billion mark. In 1997, it joined forces with the UK-based Porton International to create DynPort Vaccine Group, which secured a Department of Defense contract to produce 300,000 doses of a novel smallpox vaccine for military use.

Upon Bannister’s retirement in 2003, he had guided the company through more than 40 acquisitions, evolving DynCorp from a primarily aviation services provider into a multifaceted conglomerate employing 24,000 people and generating $2.4 billion in yearly revenue. During his tenure, DynCorp obtained contracts for managing missile test ranges for the Defense Department, developing vaccines for the National Institutes of Health, and installing security infrastructure at U.S. embassies on behalf of the State Department. The firm also provided protective details for Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide during the 1990s and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in the early 2000s.

Amid declining defense budgets in the 1990s, DynCorp diversified into technology sectors by acquiring 19 companies specializing in digital and network services and securing IT contracts with agencies such as the CIA, FBI, and SEC. By 2003, IT management accounted for nearly half of DynCorp’s business portfolio. The company moved its headquarters to Reston, Virginia in 1999.

In December 2000, DynCorp created DynCorp International LLC to oversee all overseas operations while maintaining domestic contracts under DynCorp Technical Services LLC.

Acquisition by CSC, Public Offering, and Cerberus Capital Ownership (2003–2020)

In March 2003, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) acquired DynCorp and its subsidiaries for about $914 million. Within two years, CSC divested three divisions—DynCorp International, DynMarine, and selected DynCorp Technical Services contracts—to Veritas Capital Fund, LP for $850 million. CSC retained ownership of the "DynCorp" name; subsequently, the spun-off entity was named DynCorp International.

DynCorp International went public in 2006 on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DCP.

On April 12, 2010, private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management announced a conditional agreement to acquire DynCorp International at $17.55 per share in a transaction valued at $1 billion. This acquisition was completed on July 7, 2010.

In December 2011, Michael Thibault joined DynCorp as vice president of government finance and compliance; he previously served as co-chairman of the Commission on Wartime Contracting and deputy director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency. That same year marked a company milestone with a record hiring surge of 12,300 employees, expanding its workforce to a total of 27,000.

Acquisition by Amentum (2020–present)

On November 23, 2020, Amentum—a contractor providing support services to U.S. federal and allied governments—finalized its acquisition of DynCorp International. The combined organization delivers aviation, logistics, training, intelligence, and operational solutions across more than 30 countries. This merger established one of the largest providers of mission-critical support services worldwide with a workforce numbering approximately 34,000 employees operating in 105 countries.

Air Operations

DynCorp International provides aviation assistance focused on curbing illegal drug trafficking, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, and countering terrorism. Its air operations encompass the management of both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft for combat and non-combat roles, aviation life support services, and the provision of aerial and satellite imagery. The company has contributed to U.S. military initiatives by training Afghan pilots to develop the local air force's proficiency. Moreover, DynCorp has delivered air operation support in Iraq, including search and rescue missions, medical evacuation services, and rapid deployment of quick reaction forces.

Aviation

Established in the 1950s as an aeronautical enterprise, DynCorp International continues to offer worldwide aviation support solutions. Its portfolio includes emergency response aviation programs, aircraft upkeep, theater aviation support oversight, helicopter maintenance assistance, and supportability testing.

In 2012, DynCorp played a significant role in the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final transport from Kennedy Space Center to the California Science Center aboard NASA’s specialized Boeing 747-100 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). DynCorp technicians worked alongside NASA personnel and other contractors to conduct maintenance and inspections on the SCA. This activity was part of a NASA contract awarded in April 2012 for aircraft maintenance and operational support across various sites nationwide.

Emergency Response Air Programs

In collaboration with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), DynCorp operates to combat wildfires. The company manages and services Grumman S-2 Tracker fire retardant tankers, OV-10A aircraft, and maintains civilian UH-1H Super Huey helicopters piloted by CAL FIRE personnel. These aircraft are capable of reaching most wildfire locations within twenty minutes throughout California.

Aircraft Maintenance

DynCorp offers comprehensive maintenance, fleet testing, and evaluation services for rotary-wing, fixed-wing, lighter-than-air, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Their offerings include on-location project testing, transient and leased aircraft support, safety assessments, spill containment patrols, and aircraft recovery operations.

The company holds contracts with branches such as the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and NASA. Its maintenance operations extend globally across the Philippines, United States, Europe, Southwest Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Major facility support includes NAS Patuxent River, Johnson Space Center, Langley Research Center, NASA locations in El Paso, Edwards Air Force Base, and Robins Air Force Base.

Since 1951, DynCorp has consistently secured contract awards under the Air Force-managed Contract Field Teams program. To enhance its aviation services division, DynCorp established an office in Huntsville, Alabama—strategically situated near Army Materiel Command and related headquarters at Redstone Arsenal.

The U.S. Air Force selected DynCorp to provide support for T-6 and T-6B trainer aircraft operations. This contract involves establishing and managing Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply (COMBS) facilities at nine Air Force and Navy installations.

Helicopter Maintenance Support

DynCorp International has obtained crucial contracts for helicopter maintenance and support across the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy. The company was awarded task orders to manage theater aviation support for Army helicopters in Europe (TASM-E) as well as a maintenance augmentation contract for the Kuwait Air Force's AH-64D Apache program. Since 1997, DynCorp has contributed to sustaining the Air Force’s fleet of 39 F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.

Contingency operations

Contingency operations have represented a major segment of DynCorp’s activities since the 1990s. The firm provides ongoing support to established bases, constructs new infrastructure when necessary, and delivers base support services predominantly in Southern Afghanistan.

Development

In January 2010, DynCorp International combined forces with World Wide Humanitarian Services (WWHS) and Casals & Associates to establish DI Development, marking its expansion into humanitarian assistance, reconstruction efforts, and governance reform initiatives. This strategic integration reflected the defense industry’s growing emphasis on diplomacy and development.

DI Development’s primary areas of operation include Africa and Latin America. In Africa, it has advanced government financial management practices in Ghana, supported peacebuilding efforts in Uganda, and spearheaded anti-corruption campaigns in Madagascar, Malawi, and Nigeria. Within Latin America, the company has implemented programs promoting anti-corruption measures, transparency, and accountability in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama, along with democracy and governance projects in Mexico, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic.

Intelligence training and solutions

The acquisition of Phoenix Consulting Group in 2010 allowed DynCorp International to broaden its capabilities in intelligence training and solutions. This enabled the provision of specialized instruction at the Phoenix Training Center tailored for intelligence, counterintelligence, special operations, and law enforcement personnel. Employing approximately 300 intelligence experts, DynCorp also delivers linguist operations that include language instruction, recruitment of translation specialists, and on-site translation support for U.S. military forces.

In partnership with McNeil Technologies through the joint venture Global Linguist Solutions, DynCorp secured a five-year contract to oversee translation and interpretation services supporting the U.S. Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This contract involved managing a workforce consisting of 6,000 locally hired translators alongside 1,000 U.S. citizens proficient in necessary languages. Additionally, DynCorp was awarded a $17.1 million task order to conduct military training programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on communications, logistics, and engineering disciplines.

DynCorp president Steven Schorer projects considerable expansion within military training programs and intelligence community support logistics throughout upcoming years.

In November 2015, two American employees of DynCorp were tragically killed during an assault at the International Police Training Centre located in Zarqa, Jordan. The initiative they were part of receives funding from the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

Operations and maintenance

DynCorp provides comprehensive military base operations and vehicle upkeep services, overseeing installations for both the Department of Defense and the Department of State. Its service portfolio encompasses security measures, fire and rescue emergency response, as well as IT and telecommunications support. Among its assignments, DynCorp maintains power plants, manages fueling operations, and handles groundskeeping at a military base in Kosovo. Additionally, the company delivers depot-level maintenance, facility management, and commercial services for a fleet of 17,000 ground vehicles in the United Arab Emirates. In April 2012, DynCorp was awarded a U.S. Navy contract to supply facility support in Timor-Leste, which includes managing living quarters, communications systems, vehicle assistance, procurement processes, and warehousing.

To pursue a $3 billion Army contract focused on mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle support, DynCorp entered into a joint venture with Oshkosh Defense, Force Protection Industries, and McLane Advanced Technologies. The U.S. Defense Department recognized DynCorp with the Nunn-Perry Award for its mentor-protégé collaboration with CenterScope Technologies, significantly increasing CTSI's revenue from $5 million to $32 million within an 18-month period.

Security services

DynCorp delivers personal security solutions throughout Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, which include threat evaluations, perimeter defense, base security, and guard services. The company supported U.S. Army operations in the Persian Gulf by conducting vehicle inspections, patrols, and deploying explosive detection dogs. It also extends personal security services to regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Culpeper National Security Solutions functions as a subsidiary unit within DynCorp.

Training and mentoring

DynCorp offers training programs across multiple domains including security sector reform, as well as for interior and defense personnel in developing countries and law enforcement agencies. Since 1994, it has trained and deployed approximately 6,000 law enforcement officers across 16 nations including Iraq and Afghanistan. The company pursues collaborative opportunities with firms like Raytheon either as prime or subcontractors on initiatives such as Teach, Educate, Coach—part of the Army’s Warfighter Field Operations Customer Support program.

Latin America incidents

In September 2001, Ecuadorian agricultural workers initiated a class-action lawsuit against DynCorp concerning aerial herbicide spraying activities in southern Colombia. On February 15, 2013, remaining health-related claims against DynCorp were dismissed by the court; however, plaintiffs are preparing to file an appeal.

DynCorp was also subject to allegations during the 2007 session of the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal on Colombia regarding purported abuses associated with its operations.

In 1992, three DynCorp employees lost their lives when their helicopter was shot down amid an anti-drug mission in Peru.

On November 29, 2008, an article in The New York Times highlighted concerns over potential conflicts of interest involving Veritas Capital Fund, LP—the holding company of DynCorp—and the employment of Gen. Barry McCaffrey, former White House “Drug Czar,” who played a role in shaping federal public-private drug enforcement policies.

Sex trafficking of minors in Bosnia

Human Rights Watch uncovered significant evidence linking DynCorp contractors to the trafficking and exploitation of women and girls in Bosnia and Herzegovina, accompanied by acts of violence against the victims.

During the late 1990s, two individuals—Ben Johnston, formerly an aircraft mechanic for DynCorp, and Kathryn Bolkovac, a monitor with the U.N. International Police Force—reported that DynCorp personnel were involved in sexual relations with underage girls and engaged in trafficking them as slaves. Both whistleblowers were subsequently terminated; Johnston briefly entered protective custody before departing.

On June 2, 2000, authorities conducted an investigation at DynCorp’s hangar located at Tuzla International Airport’s Comanche Base Camp, detaining all staff for interrogation. The FBI Criminal Investigative Division's probe corroborated Johnston’s allegations. Prior to this inquiry, DynCorp had already dismissed five employees due to comparable illegal conduct. Numerous accused workers resigned amid suspicion; nevertheless, as of 2014, no legal actions had been initiated.

In 2002, Bolkovac successfully pursued a lawsuit in the United Kingdom against DynCorp for wrongful termination linked to her whistleblowing activities. She co-wrote The Whistleblower: Sex Trafficking, Military Contractors And One Woman's Fight For Justice. The 2010 movie The Whistleblower, featuring Rachel Weisz and Vanessa Redgrave, is a dramatized portrayal of these events.

Incidents in Iraq

The New York Times reported that the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) found DynCorp operated with considerable autonomy from its Department of State supervisors, charging the U.S. government millions for unauthorized work and initiating projects without prior approval. The report exposed grave misconduct connected to a $188 million contract aimed at procuring weapons and constructing housing for Iraqi police forces, triggering a fraud investigation. A 2007 audit by U.S. authorities revealed that $1.3 billion allocated to DynCorp for Iraqi police training was so poorly managed that auditors could not account for expenditures.

In February 2007, federal auditors criticized DynCorp for squandering millions on various projects, including building an Olympic-sized swimming pool without authorization, requested by Iraqi police officials. By April 2011, DynCorp consented to pay $7.7 million to resolve allegations of inflated charges on construction contracts in Iraq.

On October 11, 2007, a security guard employed by DynCorp, while part of a U.S. State Department convoy in Baghdad, fatally shot a taxi driver; eyewitnesses stated that the taxi did not pose any danger.

A SIGIR report from January 2010 concluded that oversight by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs over DynCorp’s contracts related to Iraqi police training was insufficient. The bureau lacked adequate resources and control mechanisms to effectively manage task orders, leaving more than $2.5 billion in U.S. funds susceptible to mismanagement and fraud. However, SIGIR found no proof that DynCorp misused any of these monies.

Incidents in Afghanistan

In 2009, contractors working for DynCorp paid a 15-year-old Afghan Bacha Bazi performer to provide entertainment in Kunduz. Subsequently, several Afghan nationals were arrested and subjected to investigation. A Wikileaks cable disclosed that Afghan interior minister Hanif Atmar urged the U.S. assistant ambassador to suppress publication of the incident and related video footage. Following these revelations, DynCorp terminated four senior managers and established a chief compliance officer position tasked with overseeing ethics, business conduct, investigations, and regulatory adherence.

On July 30, 2010, a disturbance broke out after a collision between an Afghan vehicle and one driven by DynCorp near Kabul International Airport. Early accounts blamed DynCorp and reported four Afghan fatalities; however, Kabul police later clarified that the Afghan driver caused the accident and confirmed only one death occurred.

Incident in Mozambique

Authorities in Mozambique confiscated a consignment of 16 vehicles belonging to OTT Technologies Mozambique as part of ongoing inquiries into suspected tax fraud and misrepresentation.

Lobbying during Trump administration

DynCorp engaged in lobbying efforts targeting the Trump administration to challenge a $10 billion contract granted by the Obama administration to a rival company for the maintenance of State Department aircraft.

See also

• Blackwater Worldwide
• Carratu International
• Fluor Corporation
• KBR
• Kroll Inc.
• LOGCAP
• LOGCAP IV
• Military–industrial complex
  • Military–industrial–media complex
• Pinkerton Government Services
• Top 100 Contractors of the U.S. federal government

The Washington Post

• Chandrasekaran, Rajiv, "The Bloom Is on DynCorp," The Washington Post, August 5, 1996, p. F9.
• Day, Kathleen, "DynCorp Discussing the Sale of a Division; Reston Firm's Aviation Services Unit on Block," The Washington Post, August 8, 1995, p. D1.
• —, —, "DynCorp Retools with a Focus on Information Technology," The Washington Post, August 14, 1995, p. F8.
• —, —, "A Welcome from the Music Man," The Washington Post, August 14, 1995, p. F8.
• Haggerty, Maryann, "Engineering a Career in Energy Programs at DynCorp," The Washington Post, June 14, 1993, p. F11.
• Isikoff, Michael, "Dynalectric Indicted on Bid Rigging Charge; McLean Firm, Former President Agree to Plead Guilty," The Washington Post, April 24, 1987, p. F1.
• —, —, "Dynalectron Officer Indicted for Bid Rigging," The Washington Post, September 20, 1986, p. D1.
• —, —, "Dynalectron Puts Official on Paid Leave," The Washington Post, October 30, 1986, p. E1.
• Jones, William H., "Dynalectron Corp. Posts 'Large, Unexpected Losses,'" The Washington Post, March 13, 1979, p. D10.
• — –, "Dynalectron Has an Oil Answer," The Washington Post, July 12, 1978, p. E1.
• — –, "Dynalectron May Be Part of Coal Conversion Plan," The Washington Post, May 17, 1979, p. C1.
• Koklanaris, Maria, "DynCorp Acquires Local Firm in Bid to Diversify; Company Seeks to Cut Pentagon Dependence," The Washington Post, May 6, 1991, p. F6.
• McCarthy, Ellen, "Calif. Firm Confirms Plan to Buy DynCorp Unit," The Washington Post, October 5, 2001.
• Mintz, John, "FBI Probes DynCorp on Fort Belvoir Work," The Washington Post, January 11, 1994, p. D2.
• Southerland, Daniel, "DynCorp Unit Picked to Run U.S. Oil Reserve," The Washington Post, November 24, 1992, p. D1.
• Sugawara, Sandra, "DynCorp Wins Big Energy Job," The Washington Post, April 23, 1994, p. C1.

Additional sources

• BW Staff, "A New Push for Coal-to-Oil Technology," Business Week, November 7, 1977.
• BW Staff, "Dynalectron: Determined That Synfuels Will Fuel the Company's Growth," Business Week, June 28, 1982, p. 130.
• Celarier, Michelle, "Catch-23: Private Industries Bidding Against Government Entities for Pentagon Contracts Often Face Obstacles and Lose Money," CFO: The Magazine for Senior Financial Executives, June 1998, pp. 50–58.
• Deflem, Mathieu and Suzanne Sutphin. 2006. "Policing Post-War Iraq: Insurgency, Civilian Police and the Reconstruction of Society" Sociological Focus 39(4):265-283.
• Kady II., Martin., "DynCorp Rallies the Troops to Keep Up with the Demand," Washington Business Journal, October 26, 2001.
• Lemke Tim., "DynCorp Could Gain More Business from Defense," The Washington Times, September 24, 2001,p. D5.
• McCance McGregor., "Initiative Helps Keep Computing Systems Updated in Virginia," Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 21 ,2001.
• Wakeman Nick., "DynCorp Revs Up 'Horsepower' in Gov't Market," Washington Technology, April 2 ,2001,p. 1.
• Wreden Nick., "Unblinking Customer Focus," VAR Business , July6 ,1998,p. 69.