§ 9802. Admiralty claims against the United States
Admiralty claims against the United States
The Secretary of the Air Force may settle or compromise an admiralty claim against the United States for—
damage caused by a vessel of, or in the service of, the Department of the Air Force or by other property under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force;
compensation for towage and salvage service, including contract salvage, rendered to a vessel of, or in the service of, the Department of the Air Force or to other property under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force; or
damage caused by a maritime tort committed by any agent or employee of the Department of the Air Force or by property under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force.
If a claim under subsection (a) is settled or compromised for $500,000 or less, the Secretary of the Air Force may pay it. If it is settled or compromised for more than $500,000, he shall certify it to Congress.
In any case where the amount to be paid is not more than $100,000, the Secretary of the Air Force may delegate his authority under subsection (a) to any person in the Department of the Air Force designated by him.