Mayor Garcetti to end his Naval Reserve active duty this year

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Tuesday that he will conclude his active Naval Reserve duty when his current service obligation is fulfilled at the year’s end.

“In preparation, I have informed my commanding officer that it is my intention to transfer to the Inactive Ready Reserve,’’ Garcetti said in a prepared statement. “IRR members have no drill obligation, but retain their rank in the Navy and are able to resume drilling in the future.”

The announcement comes a day after concerns were raised about the mayor being called for drill duty at the same time he is trying to negotiate a hard-fought contract with workers at the city’s Department of Water and Power.

Garcetti this week began two weeks of training as a member of the Navy Reserve — a stint that will send him to a facility in the city of Bell and possibly other locations in Southern California during a portion of each workday.

Though a mayoral spokesman said Monday that the mayor could perform both duties, neighborhood activist Jack Humphreville, who has been reviewing the proposed DWP deal along with other neighborhood budget hawks, said being mayor “is not a part-time job.”

Garcetti has been in the reserves since 2005 and was open about his service obligation during his mayoral campaign.

“I have been honored to serve alongside some of our nation’s finest men and women and am grateful for the skills and experience I have gained, which have strengthened my work as an elected official,” he said.

ALSO:

L.A. City Council delays vote on ending mural ban

Garcetti appeals to public for support in DWP contract struggle

Thunderstorms spark 20 small fires in San Bernardino National Forest

Twitter: @csaillant2 | Google+

catherine.saillant@latimes.com