Damage by United States vessels; towage and salvage of United States vessels

§ 9802. Damage by United States vessels; towage and salvage of United States vessels (a) Under the direction of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Air Force may settle or compromise a claim against the United States for— (1) damage caused by a vessel of, or in the service of, the Department of the Air Force; or (2) 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. (b) 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. (c) In any case where the amount to be paid is not more than $1,000, 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.