When a tank gets disabled in combat, the U.S. military calls on the M88 Recovery Vehicle.
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When the M88 gets stuck, the U.S. military calls Union Pacific.
UP recently shipped the military vehicle that pulled down the statue of Saddam Hussein during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, continuing the railroad’s long legacy of supporting the U.S. armed forces.
The destruction of the statue was shown across the world and symbolized the fall of Hussein’s government.
“The historical significance of this shipment is extremely rewarding,” said Haley Warner, manager, Loup Logistics.
Loup Logistics, a UP subsidiary, played a major role in shipping the oversized item, providing a first and final mile solution for the 140,000-pound M88A2 HERCULES.
The Military Surface Deployment & Distribution Command, a component of the U.S. Army, solicited bids to move the historic vehicle from Blount Island, Florida, to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.
Lonnie Ortez, manager, Marketing and Sales, handles all military movements for UP. He knew with Loup Logistics’ vast transload network, it would be a great opportunity to assist.
“It was a seamless move from the time Union Pacific received the car at the interchange to final placement at the museum by Loup,” Ortez said. “This shipment would not have been possible without the diligent collaboration between Union Pacific and Loup Logistics to ensure mission success.”
The M88A2 HERCULES is known as a workhorse, capable of lifting, winching and towing some of the military’s heaviest vehicles without assistance – and in some of the toughest terrains.
It will be on display at the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum in 2022. The museum is part of the Arizona Aerospace Foundation, which operates the Pima Air and Space Museum.
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