Maverick Act

The bill allows the Secretary of the Navy to give three specific surplus F‑14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission at no cost. The transfer would use a conditional deed of gift, meaning the gift comes with rules the Commission must follow. The planes must have no working weapon or combat abilities. The Navy does not have to repair or upgrade the planes before giving them away. However, the Navy must provide any F‑14D manuals it is allowed to share and may provide extra spare parts so that one plane can either fly or be used as a full static display. If parts are taken from Navy stock, the Commission must repay the Navy at fair market value, and the Navy cannot buy new parts on the Commission’s behalf. The Navy will not be responsible for any extra parts or help beyond what is clearly listed in the bill. The bill lets the Commission make agreements with qualified nonprofit groups to restore and operate the aircraft for public display, airshows, and events that honor naval aviation history. If the Navy approves such agreements, it may add more conditions to protect U.S. interests. The Commission must follow all Federal Aviation Administration rules and cannot sell or transfer the planes to anyone else without the Navy’s permission. If the Commission breaks key conditions, such as FAA compliance or transfer limits, ownership of the planes automatically returns to the United States, including any repairs or changes made to them. The Commission must cover all costs of transfer, operation, maintenance, and any checks on its compliance. Once the aircraft are transferred, the United States is not liable for any death, injury, loss, or damage from their use by non‑U.S. parties. The transfer and use of the planes remain subject to U.S. arms control, export control, sanctions, and espionage laws and regulations.