This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey three F-14D Tomcat aircraft (Bureau Numbers 163283, 164602, 159437) to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. The transfer would be by a conditional deed of gift and at no cost to the United States. The Commission must pay any costs tied to the conveyance, compliance with terms, restoration, operation, and maintenance. The Secretary is not required to repair or alter the aircraft before transfer but may provide Department of Defense or Navy operations manuals and some excess spare parts or equipment. The Secretary may allow the Commission to work with qualified nonprofits to restore the aircraft.
The conveyance must include conditions such as: removing any combat capability; limiting use to public static displays, airshows, or commemorative events that preserve U.S. naval aviation heritage; meeting FAA maintenance and operating requirements; and a reversion right allowing the United States to reclaim the aircraft if conditions are violated or the aircraft are transferred without approval. The Secretary may also add terms like demilitarization and indemnification. After conveyance, the United States would not be liable for death, injury, loss, or damage from the aircraft's use by non-U.S. persons. Use and transfer remain subject to applicable federal laws and export controls listed in the bill.
If enacted, the three F-14D aircraft could appear at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center as museum displays or at airshows. The Commission would handle restoration, display, and operating rules and must follow FAA and other federal requirements. The aircraft must be demilitarized so they cannot be used for combat. If the Commission breaks the transfer conditions or transfers the aircraft without approval, the U.S. can take them back.
The bill requires the transfer to be at no cost to the United States. The Commission must pay all costs related to the conveyance, compliance with terms, restoration, operation, and maintenance. The Secretary may provide manuals and some excess spare parts or equipment but is not required to provide other support. No cost estimates are included in the bill text.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.