Fighting To Keep Tanker

By Tiffany Craig Special Assignment Reporter

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Fighting To Keep Tanker

Published: Tue, March 04, 2008 - 8:00 pm
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 - 8:05 pm

Tiffany Craig

Mobile won it but will Mobile be able to keep it?

That's what many are asking as political heavy hitters weigh in on the Air Force's decision to buy the Northrop Grumman tankers instead of Boeing's.

From presidential candidates to the Speaker of the House and members of Congress, all want answers about how the Northrop team managed to win!

Boeing workers took the news like a slap in the face. Terry Laine says he believes much of the money will end up back in the home country of Airbus. (owned by EADS) "Airbus can say what they want about it but they're gonna build part of it in America but still mainly the money's going to France instead of America "

Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine says that's just not true. He's going to Washington just in time for the Air Force to explain its decision to a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday. "We're gonna make the rounds just to thank everyone and also to ensure everyone that Mobile Alabama is part of America. These are gonna be American jobs with American workers. I think the word out there in the national media is portraying Mobile Alabama like its part of a different country."

Congressman Jo Bonner says he's not part of that subcommittee but plans to keep a close eye on the meeting.

March 12th is the date set for the Air Force to debrief Boeing on why they lost. That meeting could be moved up to this week.

Boeing officials have said that they will decide their next move after the briefing.

As for the winning team, they will be in town on Friday for a press conference.

If you have a question you would like to ask Northrop Grumman or EADS, email me by clicking on my picture or you can send your questions to

communitycoverage@wkrg.com

News Map