OSHKOSH, Wis. -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, today welcomed U.S. Army Under Secretary Dr. Joseph Westphal to the company`s Wisconsin campus.

During his visit, Dr. Westphal addressed Oshkosh employees, toured the recently completed E-coat facility and drove an Oshkosh MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) on the company’s test and development course.

“The work you do here is critical to the U.S. Army,” Dr. Westphal, the Army's second-highest ranking civilian official, said in an address to Oshkosh employees. “I appreciate the opportunity to see your work first-hand, and thank you for your great support of the Army.”

Accompanying Dr. Westphal during his visit to the Oshkosh facilities were two U.S. soldiers – 1st Sgt. Mike Leonard and Pfc. Drew Miller – who were wounded in battle.

“It’s an honor to welcome Dr. Westphal and these brave soldiers to our facilities to meet our team and experience the innovative work underway to support the Army,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of Oshkosh Defense. “We understand that U.S. soldiers depend on our vehicles and technologies to stay safe and ensure mission success on the battlefield. It’s a privilege to work every day to support the men and women serving our country.”

During his visit, Dr. Westphal emphasized the importance of the industrial base during these difficult economic times. “The Department of Defense and the U.S. Army are reducing defense spending and looking to industry partners like Oshkosh Defense to reach new levels of efficiency and cost savings.”

Dr. Westphal was sworn in as the 30th U.S. Army under secretary in September 2009. He previously served as provost, senior vice president for research and professor of environmental studies at The New School in New York City. Dr. Westphal served as the acting secretary of the Army in 2001 and as the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works from 1998 to 2001.

Oshkosh Defense designs and produces a broad range of military vehicles for the U.S. Army – from heavy equipment transporters to high-mobility, protected vehicles. In addition, Oshkosh provides complete vehicle life-cycle sustainment services including training, parts, supplies and in-theater maintenance support.

The M-ATV, which Oshkosh produces for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, delivers life-saving MRAP-level protection and uses the Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension system to overcome severe off-road terrain found in places like Afghanistan.

Oshkosh
09.11.2010