Old Guard And New Guard Explain Boeing's Situation

"I looked at where the company was and how it could best go forward. I have committed almost 40 years of my life to this company. I want to see it succeed. And, my thought was, the best way to move this company forward is for me to step aside, say, OK, that is behind us, now let’s go forward. That’s where I am."

Those words from outgoing Boeing CEO Phil Condit, who resigned Monday in a move that surprised the aerospace industry.

Condit says he wasn't forced out. Still, Boeing has been under the microscope for alleged unethical behavior surrounding its procurement of a Pentagon contract for its new generation of rocket systems. Even though the ordeal is almost seven years behind Boeing, it still haunts the aerospace giant.

"We have taken action, in fact we took it right then," said Condit in an interview with Fox News Channel.

"We have continued to take action. But, you know, those are the kinds of things we want to get behind us, because they are in fact behind us."

Condit had been with Boeing since 1965. He has pride in his company and admitted the EELV (Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle) scandal hurt. "It hasn’t hurt the business as much as it has hurt the reputation. And we are proud of the reputation of this company and we want it to be stronger. That is what both Harry (Stonecipher, former Boeing Vice Chairman and now Condit's replacement as President and CEO) and I are committed to."

Forbes reports Condit won't get a nice kiss on his way out of the door at Boeing. He leaves without a parachute -- without any kind of extra compensation.

Condit says he's not being forced out.

But clearly, the company is ready to move on.

FMI: www.boeing.com