AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TOWING ASSISTANCE.

SEC. 502. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TOWING ASSISTANCE. (a) Findings.—Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States LST Association (in this section referred to as the “Association”) is a patriotic organization dedicated to honoring the memories of those brave American servicemen who selflessly served, and often made the ultimate sacrifice, in the defense of the United States, its allies, and the principles of democracy and freedom. (2) The Association is currently engaged in efforts to return to the United States the former United States warship, Landing Ship Tank 325 (LST 325) to serve as a memorial to those American servicemen who went into harm’s way aboard and from such warships. (b) Authorization.—The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to provide towing services from a suitable vessel of the United States Navy to tow the former LST 325 from its present location, or a location to be determined by the Secretary, to a port on the East Coast of the United States to be determined by the Secretary. The Secretary of the Navy may not provide such services unless the Secretary finds that the provision of such services will not interfere with military operations, military readiness, naval 114 STAT. 3051force presence requirements, or the accomplishment of the specific missions of the vessel providing the towing services. (c) Limitations.—The services authorized by subsection (b) may not be provided except as part of a regular rotation of the vessel providing the services back to the United States. Such services may be provided only after— (1) the former LST 325 has been determined by a professional marine survey or by the United States Coast Guard to be seaworthy for towing and meeting requirements for entry into a United States port; and (2) the Association has named the United States Navy as an additional insured party to the tow hull policy covering the former LST 325, including a waiver of subrogation. (d) Additional Terms and Conditions.—The Secretary of the Navy may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the provision of towing services under this section as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.