Overview
- The Senate approved the bipartisan bill by unanimous consent and the measure now awaits House action, authorizing transfer of F-14s BuNos 164341, 164602, and 159437 to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama.
- The transfer would come at no cost to the federal government, with the Commission paying for transport, restoration, compliance, and ongoing upkeep.
- The Navy would provide manuals and excess spare parts only from existing stock to make one F-14D flyable or ready for static display, with no new parts procured on the museum’s behalf.
- Each jet must be demilitarized with no weapons capability and cannot be exported, and the Commission could partner with qualified nonprofits to restore and operate the aircraft for airshows and commemorative events.
- All three airframes are believed to be stored at AMARG, the “Boneyard,” in Arizona, and any return to flight would be uncertain and likely take years due to missing or destroyed parts, deep inspections, and FAA certification requirements.