OSHKOSH, Wis., Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense of Wisconsin is opening a new vehicle operator and maintenance training center in California for U.S. Marines and Navy Seabees.
The company's new regional logistics center is opening this month in Temecula, Calif., adjacent to the Marine's Camp Pendleton.
"We are eager to begin working in the new facility and expand our advanced technologies and vehicle training in support of Marines Corps and Navy operational readiness," said John Bryant, vice president and general manager of Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense.
"The courses we've conducted for Marines and Seabees since we first opened a California facility in 2007 have helped them properly maintain their fleets, ultimately increasing vehicle service life while reducing vehicle downtime and repair-and-replacement costs."
The company's current training center in Oceanside, Calif., is moving to the new facility.
Oshkosh specialists have trained more than 450 Marines and Seabees since 2007, primarily to support the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle, Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement and Logistics Vehicle System Replacement.
Oshkosh said the new training center features larger classrooms and dedicated training maintenance bays, where more Marines and Seabees can receive maintenance, operator, advanced electrical and hydraulic, or pre-deployment training to build on the knowledge acquired during initial vehicle maintenance training.
In addition to training, Oshkosh-trained technicians at the 64,000-square-foot facility will provide a full range of vehicle sustainment services, including vehicle repairs, preventative and corrective maintenance, armor installation, remanufacturing, major component replacement and retrofits and parts distribution support for the major military bases in the U.S. Southwest.
