Maverick Act

Navy could gift F-14s for display

If enacted, the Navy would be authorized to give three surplus F-14D Tomcats (Bureau Nos. 164341, 164602, 159437) to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama by a conditional deed of gift. The jets would be nonfunctional as combat platforms and unable to launch or release weapons. The Navy would not have to repair them and would not provide parts or help beyond what this bill lists. The Navy would provide F-14D maintenance and operations manuals it has rights to share. The Navy would be allowed to give excess spare parts from existing stock so one jet is flyable or fit for static display, but the Commission would have to replace any parts at fair market value; the Navy would not buy items for the Commission. The Commission would be allowed to partner with qualified nonprofits to restore and operate the aircraft for public display, airshows, and commemorative events, with any extra terms allowed to protect U.S. interests. The Commission would have to follow all FAA limits and maintenance rules, keep ownership and possession unless the Navy approves a transfer, and pay all conveyance, compliance, operation, and maintenance costs. If the Commission failed to follow the terms, ownership would revert to the United States and the government would have immediate possession. After transfer, the United States would not be liable for death, injury, loss, or damage from anyone’s use other than the United States. Transfer and use would remain subject to export and arms-control laws, including the Arms Control Act, the Export Control Reform Act, ITAR, EAR, OFAC rules, and the Espionage Act.