EADS: Pentagon lost sight of objective

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - EADS Chairman Ralph Crosby gave a pat on the back to the people of Mobile for their continued support in trying to secure the $40 billion tanker deal. Crosby also pointed the finger at the Pentagon for losing sight of what was really important, getting the best aerial refueling tanker.

"I came here five years ago and said if we win, it will be here. We won and now it's not going to be here and I don't like it, but I am not hiding in Washington," said Crosby.

EADS partnered with Northrop Grumman to land the contract to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers.

The contract is to supply the Air Force with 179 tankers used to refuel fighter, transport and bomber aircraft en route to their targets.

Crosby said Northrop Grumman's decision not to bid on the $40 billion tanker contract isn't something he likes. But Crosby said there is nothing he can do and doesn't think EADS will go at it alone.

"We are compelled to accept their decision and I just don't see any opportunity in the next 63 days which is when this RFP has to be responded to, to offer any other alternatives," he said.

Crosby can't point to anything EADS could have done differently, he feels that the blame lies in Washington.

"I think the Pentagon lost sight of the objective of how to get the best war fighter. They focused on how to get a protest proof evaluation process," added Crosby.

Because of this, Crosby said the people of Mobile and the entire Gulf Coast lost out.

Crosby said the real victims are the war fighters, who will get replacements, not modern aerial refueling tankers.

Crosby believes the Pentagon knows it too.

"I think in their hearts they know they are getting less capability," shared Crosby.

As for the future of EADS in Mobile, Crosby said with or without it, Mobile is on the map to becoming a key player in the aerospace industry.

"Making commitments into a future you don't know where it will all iron out, what I will be willing to say is that Mobile today has a distinctive advantage for a potential location for future EADS activities," he added.

Crosby said that's because of its political leadership, and workforce. That's something he learned years ago when EADS and Northrop Grumman first set out to land the 40 billion dollar contract that got away.

Crosby wants President Obama to intervene and take a look at the competition.

"He is the Chief Executive of the U.S. Government, that's his decision now whether he wants to intervene against Bob Gates, I don't know. My answer would be yes, the reason he is for competition because it is the way to control cost, to control price and to cause contractors to responsibly address risk," added Crosby.

Crosby said EADS the whole thing cost it $100 million.

"I didn't want to get out of this competition," ended Crosby.