CHERRY POINT, NC (Dec. 10, 2003)--The Navy announced today that it would retain in-house Mechanical Engineering and Technical Services Functions at Naval Air Depot Cherry Point.

As a result of efficiencies identified in this study, the Navy will implement its Most Efficient Organization (MEO). Transition of the current organization to the MEO also started today. The transition is expected to be completed by May 2004.

The Mechanical Engineering and Technical Services study began Sept. 7, 2001. Eleven positions were involved in the study. Under the MEO, the depot will have 10 federal engineers, engineering technicians, draftsmen, and one program manager. Currently, eight permanent federal employees hold those positions.

The decision for the government to continue to perform the functions was made after a detailed study indicated it was more cost effective for the work to be done by government personnel than by contractor.

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