( CNN ) -- Erik Prince , the chairman and CEO of Blackwater USA , appeared Tuesday before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform . Erik Prince , CEO and chairman of Blackwater USA , is sworn in Tuesday at a congressional hearing . The committee convened amid an FBI investigation into a September 16 shootout involving Blackwater personnel that resulted in the deaths of Iraqi civilians . Following is a transcript of Prince 's opening statement : . Chairman [ Henry ] Waxman , [ D-California ] , Congressman [ Thomas ] Davis , [ R-Virginia ] , members of the committee , my name is Eric Prince , and I am the chairman and CEO of the Prince Group and Blackwater USA . Blackwater 's a team of dedicated professionals who provide training to America 's military and law enforcement communities and risk their lives to protect Americans in harm 's way overseas . Under the direction and oversight of the United States government , Blackwater provides an opportunity for military and law enforcement veterans with a record of honorable service to continue their support to the United States . Words alone can not express the respect I have for these brave men and women who defend -- who volunteer to defend U.S. personnel facilities and diplomatic missions . I am proud to be there to represent them today . After almost five years in active service as a U.S. Navy SEAL , I founded Blackwater in 1997 . I wanted to offer the military and law enforcement communities assistance by providing expert instruction and world-class training venues . Ten years later , Blackwater trains approximately 500 members of the United States military and law enforcement agencies every day . After 9/11 , when the U.S. began its stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and then Iraq , the United States government called upon Blackwater to fill a need for protective services in hostile areas . Blackwater responded immediately . We are extremely proud of answering that call in supporting our country . Blackwater personnel supporting our overseas missions are all military and law enforcement veterans , many of whom have recent military deployments . No individual ever protected by Blackwater has ever been killed or seriously injured . There is no better evidence of the skill and dedication of these men . At the same time , 30 brave men have made the ultimate sacrifice while working for Blackwater and its affiliates . Numerous others have been wounded and permanently maimed . The entire Blackwater family mourns the loss of these brave lives . Our thoughts and our prayers are with their families . The areas of Iraq in which we operate are particularly dangerous and challenging . Blackwater personnel are subject to regular attacks by terrorists and other nefarious forces within Iraq . We 're the targets of the same ruthless enemies that have killed more than 3,800 American military personnel and thousands of innocent Iraqis . Any incident where Americans are attacked serves as a reminder of the hostile environment in which our professionals work to keep American officials and dignitaries safe , including visiting members of Congress . In doing so , more American service members are available to fight the enemy . Blackwater shares the committee 's interest in ensuring the accountability and oversight of contract personnel supporting U.S. operations . The company 's personnel are already accountable under and subject to numerous statutes , treaties and regulations of the United States . Blackwater looks forward to working with Congress and the executive branch to ensure that any necessary improvements to these laws and policies are implemented . The worldwide personnel protection services contract , which has been provided to this committee , was competitively awarded and details almost every aspect of operation and contract performance , including the hiring , vetting guidelines , background checks , screening , training standards , rules of force and conduct standards . In Iraq , Blackwater reports to the embassy 's regional security officer , or RSO . All Blackwater movements and operations are directed by the RSO . In conjunction with internal company procedures and controls , the RSO ensures that Blackwater complies with all relevant contractual terms and conditions , as well as any applicable laws and regulations . We have approximately 1,000 professionals serving today in Iraq as part of our nation 's total force . Blackwater does not engage in offensive or military missions but performs only defensive security functions . My understanding of the September 16 incident is that the Department of State and the FBI are conducting a full investigation , but those results are not yet available . We at Blackwater welcome the FBI review announced yesterday , and we will cooperate fully and look forward to receiving their conclusions . I just want to put some other things in perspective . A recent report from the Department of State stated that in 2007 Blackwater conducted 1,873 security details for diplomatic visits to the red zone , areas outside the Green Zone in Iraq , and there have been only 56 incidences in which weapons were discharged , or less than 3 percent of all movements . In 2006 , Blackwater conducted over 6,500 diplomatic movements in the Red Zone . Weapons were discharged in less than 1 percent of those missions . To the extent there is any loss of innocent life , ever , let me be clear that I consider that tragic . Every life , whether American or Iraqi , is precious . I stress to the committee and to the American public , however , that I believe we acted appropriately at all times . I am prepared to answer your questions . E-mail to a friend .
Erik Prince , CEO of Blackwater USA , testifies before House panel . Score: 6 Prince : `` I believe we acted appropriately at all times ''