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NAVAIR officials say voluntary programs will reduce workforce about 9.5%; county leaders flag possible revenue impacts
Summary
Representatives for Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Air Station Pax River told St. Mary's County commissioners April 29 that deferred resignation programs and hiring freezes will reduce NAVAIR workforces by about 9.5 percent across locations; county leaders raised concerns about local revenue and contractor impacts.
Representatives of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and NAS Patuxent River told St. Mary’s County commissioners April 29 that recent deferred resignation programs and hiring freezes are expected to reduce NAVAIR’s civilian workforce by about 9.5 percent across the command and warfare centers.
A NAVAIR representative said the reduction stems in part from two deferred resignation programs (one governmentwide and one DOD‑specific) and that the 9.5 percent loss likely will not be fully replaced in the near term. “We will have lost about 9 and a half percent of our employees,” the NAVAIR representative said. He said the reductions are spreading across NAVAIR locations, including the warfare center and other sites, and that NAVAIR’s workforce planning is focusing on aligning remaining personnel to the highest priorities.
The Navy official said the reductions will occur over a compressed timeframe — described as weeks to a few months — and that an internal freeze on personnel movement is in effect while leadership adjusts assignments. The official also said the Department of Defense has indicated it is avoiding involuntary reductions in force and that NAVAIR is continuing internship pipelines for future talent.
Commissioners pressed presenters about local economic consequences, including the potential impact on income‑tax revenues and contractor support. The Navy official said an initial review targeted roughly 46 consulting contracts for scrutiny but that those were a small number and primarily affected NAVAIR consulting lines rather than contractor support services such as base‑support contracts.
Presenters stressed uncertainty about final numbers and timing but said the command expects to continue supporting core mission work and to try to preserve pipelines that feed hiring in future years. No county action or vote was taken on April 29; commissioners requested continued updates and said they would coordinate on community mitigation where appropriate.
