By Jeffery W. Fogg II
February 23, 2025
In a stunning workforce reduction, approximately 600 federal civilian employees at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City will be terminated tomorrow morning, according to a credible tip from the National Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) for the 9th District. The mass layoffs, which come with little public warning, are expected to have a significant impact on both the operational capacity of the base and the surrounding communities that depend on these federal jobs.
The Role of Civilian Employees at Tinker
Tinker Air Force Base, the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma, relies heavily on its civilian workforce to maintain its daily operations. These employees serve in a variety of critical roles, including aircraft maintenance, logistics, cybersecurity, and administrative support. The base is home to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, a vital component of the Air Force’s sustainment and readiness strategy. The loss of such a substantial number of workers raises questions about how Tinker will continue to meet its mission requirements in the short and long term.
Impact on Base Operations
Tinker AFB plays a key role in supporting U.S. military aviation, providing depot maintenance for the Air Force’s fleet, including the KC-135 Stratotanker, B-1B Lancer, and E-3 Sentry AWACS. The termination of 600 employees, many of whom possess specialized skills, threatens to disrupt maintenance schedules, delay aircraft readiness, and strain remaining personnel.
Ripple Effects on the Local Economy
Beyond the base, the layoffs are expected to send economic shockwaves through the Oklahoma City metro area. Tinker’s civilian employees are a significant part of the local workforce, and their salaries contribute to businesses ranging from restaurants and retail stores to housing markets and healthcare services. A sudden drop in income for hundreds of households could result in decreased consumer spending, increased demand for unemployment benefits, and financial strain on local businesses.
What’s Behind the Cuts?
At this time, no official explanation has been given for the mass terminations, though sources speculate that budgetary constraints, restructuring within the Department of Defense, or shifting priorities in military spending could be factors. The AFGE, which represents many of the impacted employees, is expected to release a statement following the official notifications tomorrow morning.
The timing of these layoffs is particularly concerning as defense budgets have been under scrutiny, with Congress debating the allocation of funds for military readiness, personnel, and infrastructure. If these cuts are part of a broader strategy, other military installations could soon face similar reductions.
What Happens Next?
Affected employees are expected to receive termination notices in the morning, though it remains unclear what severance, if any, will be offered. The AFGE has vowed to advocate for its members and will likely pursue legal and legislative avenues to challenge the decision.
This is a developing story. The Voice will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
For breaking news and analysis on government workforce issues, follow ThisisTopeka.com.
Frank Griegorian says
In short Trump is a traitor to this country as well to NATO
He is Putins play doll and being so will weaken the security of this fine nation !!!!
Paul says
Lmao. NATO provides no value to the US yet Europe benefits greatly from the agreement and support. We should leave NATO and leave Europe to deal with their own problems. If the tables were turned, nobody would be helping the US.
Dana Wright says
You don’t remember the European response to our 9/11?
Robert K Vukovic says
That is so naive if not ignorant, We benefit enormously from NATO and supporting Europe. The original Nazis invaded Poland, but as we know, they didn’t stop there. Millions of Europeans, Russians, and troops from other nations sacrificed their lives before the U.S. got involved. That saved innumerable American lives. A war in Europe will never end there and Nato is what could keep it from coming here.
Kenneth says
I remember civilians at McClellan, some of the most coddled bunch of lazy fed workers. Unionized too, I feel there are alot of those in civil service. Good riddance. The free ride is over
Beverly says
OMG I feel sorry for you thinking that way. I feel sorry for those affected. Oklahoma is not the richest state in the country and this will be devastating to folks.
Alan C Gaudry says
Yep ,saw this on the Space Shuttle work force , over specialized ? No needed a pile of paper 7 engineers , planner, scheduler NASA quality contractor quality to remove a screw or installed . Set torque wrench hand it to the contractor quality who handed it to the NASA quality inspector . Click job done
Alan C Gaudry says
Ok ?
Sam says
Send Elon Musk back to where he cane from. We beat the British in 1776 and again in 1812 but they’re kickin our Aaa today with one Brit.
Tim Rogers says
Elon isn’t a Brit… Lol
Domenick L Demasi says
First, he’s from South Africa
Second, remember the salute he gave the country and the President. Makes sense now?
I wonder how many of these employees voted orange?
Beverly says
I suspect many voted orange as OK is a red state.
Mike says
Quick editorial note. “ The mass layoffs, which come with little public warning”
They in fact came with ample public warning. The President ran on Project 2025 and there was a 900 page pamphlet they published for everyone to see.
Everyone should’ve known this was coming. The President didn’t hide it other than to lie about not knowing what it was I suppose.
Elissa Steidley says
Im curious as to why this information hasn’t been reported in by an other news outlets???
John Dobberstein says
There has been coverage today, we were just the first in Oklahoma to report it.
Dwayne Hendrickson says
All the ‘reporting’ is just repeating this article, which is based on rumors. You can’t hate the media enough
Jean bergquist says
I work at fort sill DFA serving the men and women of the military feeding them and cleaning up after them.
I am Praying they don’t go after our jobs next
Do you think they will go after the dining facilities?
I dont understand what this is all about I would think military is our backbone of this country they protect all of us night and day.
I think this is overreaching we need our military.
Dana says
This cannot be blamed to past president’s. This was the PLAN DOGE, FOR TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION. DO NOT CREATE A TRUMP DAY IN OKLAHOMA. HE IS NOT WORTHY OF ANY CELEBRATION
Peter says
I am amazed at the level of media coverage about the government employee layoffs. We’re being bombarded with purported “facts” regarding potential degradation of capability as many affected personnel have significant knowledge, skills, and abilities.
In commercial “for-profit” entities it is no different but we’re subjected to this media assault when commercial companies perform reduction. Look, we all regret when anyone loses their job (I’ve been there several times in my career). At the same time, we need to run our government just like a for profit entity as afterall, it’s our tax dollars that are being spent and we need to be sure we’re getting the best value.
Susan Trainer says
We will believe it when and if it happens. Sounds like left propaganda to us
Don’t fall for the fear mongering!
Mildred says
How can we as a people and this country get rid of Elon Musk? I wish that Trump was never elected. And it’s not our problem that he took Elon Musk money to gain the presidency. He owes him we American people don’t. This was Trump agenda the whole time he was campaigning for presidency and everyone that voted for him and even the ones that didn’t is suffering. He knew he wasn’t going to win without Musk. Now I know the American people wish they had voted for Kamala Harris. It wouldn’t be all this chaos. The Republican Party and the Republican voters didn’t want a woman especially of color in the White House. Now look at this mess. What can be done now to put people back to work and stop all this. Elon Musk needs to be sent back to Africa where he belong. How can he just be put in the White House destroying people lives. I fear there might be something coming that Trump and Elon Musk is not expecting. But I pray my fear is wrong because no one should hurt anyone for no reason. They are messing with people livelihood. All this is just my opinion. Thank you
Marlon Brando says
Mildred get a grip woman. The only woman we don’t want is you right now. Kamala was a basket case. She lost on her own merit, not because she was a woman. Only the left think like that.
Beverly says
Ha! You sound like a typical male from OK telling a woman to get a grip. I agree with the 100%/ Trump and Muck have ruined our country so far.
James winslow says
An expression of opinion accompanied with not one bit of evidence and certainly not having looked at the out of control national debt which we as tax payers owe. Wake up to the realities of life, please.
Trey Trammel says
Quit your damn crying. You obviously have your head in the sand like all the other woke idiots. What an idiot! We would be COMPLETELY over run by illegals by now, probably in world war III, men using womens restrooms, economy completely destroyed….Yeah, we would have been WAY better with Sleepy Joe and Cackling Kamala. Give me a break!
Robert Akers says
Hi John,
In your article you neglected to say how many people work at Tinker as a whole…why that omission? A 600 person layoff if there were 6000 folks on the payroll would only be 10%, about half of what I pay in taxes annually.
Mike says
OC-ALC also maintains, repairs, and overhauls jet aircraft engines for the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, the U.S. Navy, and for allied foreign air forces. Over 9,000 military and civilian personnel work at OC-ALC.
Tinker AFB has a combined total of 26,000 military and civilian employees.
Paul says
Good. The civilians at Tinker are some of the most rude and lazy people I have ever met. They cause so many issues with commute, and traveling on and around base. The government could save a lot of money and get the same amount of work done with 10% of the current civilians.
Douglas says
I served 24 years in the Navy and seen countless WF&A on the civilian side so I’m not surprised about this. I recall one duty station where the civilian workers were pissed off at the active duty because they were getting RIF’d. I guess when you’re getting paid for eight hours a day and actually only working 2-3 hours a day and then put in for overtime to get the job done sooner or later it’s going to bite you in the rear.
Mildred Ii says
It has always been clear that Trump intended to overhaul the government. The level of waste, fraud, and corruption has left us burdened with massive debt, including $1 trillion in annual interest payments. Unfortunately, significant cuts are necessary just to begin addressing the issue. The real blame lies with prior administrations that spent recklessly without taking meaningful steps to tackle our financial crisis.
Biden, in particular, has accelerated this crisis with his multi-trillion-dollar spending spree. His administration added over $8 trillion to the national debt, with massive expenditures like the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, student loan bailouts, and reckless infrastructure projects. These policies have driven inflation to record highs, forced Americans to pay more for everything, and pushed annual deficits to $2 trillion and rising.
At this rate, we’re not just drowning in debt—we’re being forced into an economic collapse that only drastic cuts can begin to fix. Biden and previous administrations have spent with no regard for consequences, and now, hard choices must be made to save the country from financial ruin.
Jim M says
While this really sucks, at least someone is trying to do something about the national debt. I’m not sure why people aren’t more concerned with $36 trillion in debt. I mean, we have to balance our budgets, why should the government be allowed to spend our money so recklessly, only to wash their hands of it and pass it only the next administration.
Slim jim says
Could also tax the F out of the rich people to pay down the debt.
Jen says
Response to Mildred:
I honestly do not believe this country cares if the president is a man or woman. The problem stems from the burocracy, pandering, say anything and do anything to win the election, and downright deception. Kamala was certainly not the right person, not by a long shot. And Hilary was downright scary.
Like I said, I don’t think the country cares if the president is a woman, black, short, green, wide, or a character from the Simpsons, as long as that person is truly qualified for the role.
Fred says
This is GREAT news! We as Oklahomans voted for President Trump and Mr. Musk to get rid of these slacker, overpaid, federal employees!
I pray they do not stop at 600 federal lackeys, but close Tinker AFB all together. Get rid of federal fraud, waste and abuse at wholesale!
Vern says
Nothing like a commenter posting an “editorial note” FOR the news outlet.
Interesting how his “editorial note” insinuates that Trump campaigned on Project 2025 — unless you consider Trump’s lying about knowledge of — as hiding it.
Well, I would consider lying as hiding.
Trump making denials awash in “FAKE NEWS!” is what his voters were given, not pamphlets.
Interestingly, “editorial note” exposes actual reason why Musk is mass firing everyone. Musk is creating Project 2025 job openings UNDER THE PRETENSE of saving taxpayer dollars. To control Americans, Musk makes them mad. He aims Americans’ ire by using his platform to criticize federal workers as part of “fraud” and to devalue them in the eyes of his audience.
Other than accidentally exposing one of MUSK’S real motives (Project 2025), this commenter assists with Musk’s smear — insinuating that federal workers knew that Trump would fire them. Commenter partakes in the dehumanizing of workers pursued by Musk, a Trump mega-donor who, NOW, has his AI platform executing Our government’s workforce decisions.
Why?
TO FURTHER MUSK’S POWER AND RICHES.
I say wake up and expose lies.
John Miller says
The logistic sites are bloated; either overcompensated, unmotivated, and sometimes just laced with laziness. While 600 seems like alot, this number will be over many different job descriptions and we pork places. I have seen it, both in the Air Force and within the civil service community.
Beverly says
Ha! You sound like a typical male from OK telling a woman to get a grip. I agree with Mildred. Trump and Muck have ruined our country so far.
By the way, Marlon why are you afraid to use your real name???
Trey Trammel says
My name’s not Marlon.
Michael Blankenship says
In the scheme of things 600 positions at Tinker is not a very big cut at all. There is probably 30k people on the base everyday. Planes like the B1, B52, KC135 are at the end of their life cycle, so the workload on these planes has fallen off, and actually there is a lot more dead weight than 600.