A great day for Mobile

Some really great news from the Press-Register today:

The U.S. Air Force today named Northrop Grumman Corp. and EADS North America to build its next-generation fleet of aerial refueling tankers, spurning a bid from rival Boeing Co. with a decision that could bring an aircraft assembly plant to Mobile.

"This is really a historic and great day for Mobile and our entire region," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said at a Friday news conference. "This is a community-changing industry and we will see our community change for the better."

The Air Force made its choice after a fierce competition between the two teams for one of the single largest defense contracts in U.S. history. Estimated at up to $40 billion, the deal includes 179 planes to be delivered over the next 10-15 years. Boeing was considered a heavy favorite due mainly to its political clout and its legacy of building aircraft for the U.S. military.

For more, read on ...