Navy Announces Layoffs for 745 Civilians

The Navy Installations Command on Wednesday announced that it would undertake a reduction in force for 745 civilian positions.

The RIF will be completed by fiscal 2014, and will affect civilians working in 20 states; Washington, D.C.; Guam; Italy; Greece; and Cuba, according to the announcement. The Navy said it was part of “cost–saving measures” being undertaken because of tightening budgets.

"This action is not taken lightly, but is part of a conscious, risk-based approach to future shore capabilities that are aligned with the Navy mission," said Vice Adm. William French, head of the Navy Installations Command, in a statement. "I am committed to ensuring that we do all we can to assist those people directly impacted by this action by providing them access to all tools available under reduction in force rules and assisting them with finding future employment." 

The Air Force announced an RIF to eliminate 15,000 positions in April, but said the move was unrelated to budget cuts caused by sequestration. Defense Comptroller Robert Hale said extended sequestration could lead to further job losses at the Pentagon.