Navy Names Agency to Examine Claims

The Navy has appointed the National Academy of Public Administration to look into claims that a reward system at the Point Mugu base resulted in a pattern of discrimination against older workers, Navy officials said.

The congressionally chartered organization will review an often scathing internal report alleging that a 20-year system of awarding bonuses and raises put older workers at a disadvantage when the Navy dismissed employees.

Rear Adm. Bert Johnston, who heads the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, said although he is confident the system is fair, he wants “to make sure no stone goes unturned in reviewing this system.”

The new study should take about three months, after which Mugu top brass will review the results for potential changes should they be noted.

Jack Futoran, the lawyer for a former employee who believes he was dismissed because of his age, questioned the Navy’s use of the government organization and characterized it as a routine study by the academy, rather than a response to specific allegations.

A spokesman for the base said “this is a totally new request we made of them.”

In addition, Johnston said the Navy will conduct an internal investigation through the inspector general’s office to determine allegations that Navy brass tried to quash the original report.

Futoran, who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of his client, said he was skeptical an internal investigation would find any wrongdoing within the Navy.