Pub. L. 108-287, tit. VIII, sec. 8048

Sec. 8048. (a) Upon a determination by the Secretary of the Navy that the vessel USNS Capable (T–AGOS 16) is no longer needed by the Navy, the Secretary shall transfer such vessel to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as an exploration and research ship.(b) Upon a transfer of the vessel USNS Capable (T–AGOS 16) under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall transfer to the Secretary of Commerce $18,000,000 out of funds appropriated by title IV under the heading “Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy”. The amount so transferred shall be available to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration for the conversion of the vessel for use as an exploration and research ship.