SEAL BEACH : Jobs Could Be Cut at Weapons Station

More than 60 civilian workers at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station could lose their jobs under a cost-cutting plan scheduled to take affect in November.

The cutbacks are part of a nationwide effort by the Navy to streamline operations and work more efficiently, said Richard Williamson, public information officer for the base.

The Department of Defense has asked the weapons station to try to reduce civilian employees from 758 to 600 by next year, Williamson said. Base officials are unsure if they will be able to reach that goal.

In addition to the 67 employees facing layoffs, another 33 employees could have their pay reduced and 30 more could be moved to new jobs on the base, Williamson said.

The staff reductions will affect departments throughout the base and might cause some duties now handled by the weapons station to be transferred to other facilities.

Civilian workers perform a variety of tasks, from maintaining weapons to transporting them on trucks and trains. They also work in the base’s science lab, Williamson said.

Base officials will not know exactly how many workers will be laid off until November. Some workers might decide to take early retirement, preserving the jobs of younger workers who would otherwise be laid off.

“We are looking for places where we can make reductions,” Williamson said. “We are trying to build the military of the future.”