Legislation known as the "Maverick Act" has advanced through the U.S. Senate, authorizing the transfer of three retired F-14D Tomcat fighter jets to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, with a key provision allowing for one of the iconic aircraft to potentially be restored to flight status. The bill, introduced by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and sponsored in the House by Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), seeks to preserve the legendary naval aviator for future generations.
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the "Maverick Act" on April 28, 2026, marking a significant step towards seeing the F-14 Tomcat fly in American skies again, nearly two decades after its official retirement from U.S. Navy service in 2006. The legislation permits the Secretary of the Navy to convey three surplus F-14D aircraft, identified by specific Bureau Numbers (164341, 164602, 159437), without consideration, to the Alabama museum.
A crucial aspect of the bill is the authorization for the Navy to provide excess spare parts from existing stock to aid in making one of the F-14D aircraft flyable for public display, airshows, and commemorative events. This move represents a notable exception to the long-standing policy of destroying F-14 components to prevent them from reaching foreign adversaries, particularly Iran, which was the sole remaining operator of the type.
The stringent destruction policy for F-14s and their parts was enacted following the jet's retirement due to concerns about reverse-engineering and illicit acquisition by Iran. However, recent reports suggest that Iran's remaining F-14 fleet may have been largely destroyed in military strikes, potentially easing the security concerns that previously governed the disposition of these aircraft.
"For the past two decades, Navy veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and Top Gun fans have dreamed of seeing the legendary F-14 Tomcat back in the skies," stated the Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh in a recent tweet. The tweet added, "Thanks to Congressman Hamadeh and Senator @TimSheehyMT ’s Maverick Act, that dream may soon become a reality."
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center Commission will be responsible for all costs associated with the transfer, restoration, operation, and maintenance of the aircraft. The legislation mandates that the transferred F-14s be demilitarized and lack any combat capability, ensuring their use is solely for historical preservation and educational purposes. The bill now awaits action in the House of Representatives.
