Oshkosh Truck Fields Heavy Defense Truck to U.S. Army Medics

    OSHKOSH, Wis.--Jan. 18, 2002--Oshkosh Truck Corporation recently fielded its latest HEMTT model to the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) during a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During the ceremony, four M1120 HEMTTs with Load Handling Systems (LHS) and Container Handling Units (CHU) were handed over to the soldiers of the U.S. Army Medical Center and School.
    This is the first fielding of HEMTT-LHS models to the Army's Medical Corps, and the 147th Medical Logistics Battalion is the first medical unit to be equipped. The 11-ton-payload units will transport medical shelters, medical equipment and supplies.
    "Oshkosh's exceptional engineering and understanding of the military mission profile are demonstrated yet again with the fielding of the HEMTT-LHS to the Medical Corps. This truck's ability to fulfill numerous missions, all with the same outstanding effectiveness, provides the flexibility that the modern U.S. military can use to its best advantage," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh's chairman, president and chief executive officer.
    According to Colonel Robert L. Groller, Project Manager for Heavy Tactical Vehicles, "An Army can only move as fast as its supplies. The HEMTT LHS with the Container Handling Unit provides the Army (with) a revolutionary concept in logistics. With the HEMTT LHS, you will now be able to negotiate terrain once not passable carrying 11 tons and reduce upload time from 1 hour to five minutes with two soldiers rather than six. As the combat service and support multiplier for the Objective Force (Force XXI) and Brigade Combat Teams, the Army's Medical Corps will enjoy the same flexibility to change and grow with the transforming Army."
    "The HEMTT-LHS will provide the Army Medical Department (with) the lift, capacity, speed and mobility to provide timely combat health logistics support to the Force XXI Army. The unique characteristics of the HEMTT-LHS assist the AMEDD in minimizing its battlefield footprint . . ." said Lt. Colonel Christopher Harrington, 147th Medical Logistic Battalion Commander at Fort Sam Houston.
    The HEMTT-LHS is one of the U.S. Army's extended service programs. Oshkosh overhauled and rebuilt existing U.S. Army vehicles to "as new" condition.

    Oshkosh Truck Corporation is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Products are marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce, McNeilus, Geesink, Norba and Medtec brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $1.45 billion in fiscal 2001.
    For more information about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, log onto its web site at www.oshkoshtruck.com.