Maverick Act

This bill would authorize the Department of the Navy to transfer three retired F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Alabama at no cost to the federal government. The commission would be permitted to work with nonprofit organizations to restore and operate the aircraft for public displays and air shows, provided the planes have no combat capability. Under the proposal, the Navy could also provide spare parts for the restoration, but the commission would be prohibited from transferring ownership of the aircraft without federal approval.

This bill directly affects the Department of the Navy, which is authorized to transfer surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft and spare parts. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama, is the designated recipient of these aircraft and is responsible for all associated costs. Additionally, the bill affects qualified nonprofit organizations that may be authorized to enter into agreements with the Commission to restore and operate the aircraft for public displays and events.

• Transfer of surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft. Authorizes the Department of the Navy to transfer three surplus F-14D Tomcat fighter aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama.
• Transfer conditions and federal cost protections. Requires that the transfer be completed at no cost to the federal government and mandates that the aircraft must not possess any combat capability.
• Ownership and maintenance requirements. Prohibits the commission from transferring ownership without Navy approval and allows the Navy to provide excess spare parts to make an aircraft flyable or suitable for static display.
• Restoration and public display agreements. Permits the commission to partner with qualified nonprofit organizations to restore and operate the aircraft for air shows, commemorative events, and public displays.

The bill aims to facilitate the preservation and public exhibition of retired military hardware by authorizing the Department of the Navy to transfer three surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission. The legislation intends for these aircraft to be used for static displays, air shows, and commemorative events through restoration and operation by qualified nonprofit organizations.