Warbird Information Exchange

Jones Day Announces F-14 Seizure in Chino Resolved


Last update: 12:40 p.m. EST Jan. 7, 2009
IRVINE, Calif., Jan 07, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Yanks Air Museum and the United States Government have resolved their differences related to two F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft that Yanks claimed it had previously purchased. The US Government seized the aircraft in 2007, contending that the aircraft were not properly sold to Yanks, and otherwise raised national security concerns. The US Government has increased its scrutiny of such aircraft in recent years.
"Yanks is very pleased with the settlement," stated its lawyer, Paul Rafferty, from Jones Day. "Although initially the Government and Yanks did not see eye to eye on this issue, both parties worked cooperatively for months to find a solution that made sense. Yanks has done its part to ensure the national security of this great country, and in the process, improved its relationship with the Government and Department of the Navy."
Yanks' founder, Charles Nichols, was equally pleased. "We were obviously quite bothered by the Government's initial handling of the matter, but I must say, we really met some good folks within the US Government that do their best to protect the citizens of this country, and we especially thank the folks at the Navy Detachment at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) for their cooperation and hospitality."
The settlement will provide Yanks with additional opportunities to create new, as well as expand and complete existing displays of historic Naval aircraft through participation in the Navy's prestigious Museum Loan Program, and other valuable consideration. In exchange, Yanks will waive further claim to the two F-14 aircraft of interest.
"We are pleased to resolve this lawsuit in a cooperative manner with Yanks," stated Ann Wolf, the Government's counsel. "It is nice to see a result where the interests of the people of the United States are served, and at the same time, a reputable museum such as Yanks is made whole in the process."
As was reported by the LA Times, and various news channels, on March 6, 2007, the US Government formally seized the F-14 aircraft at Yanks' facility in Chino, California. Yanks, a war bird museum well known in the United States with over 160 vintage and retired aircraft, had claimed that it purchased the subject aircraft in 1999 from a salvage company that had obtained the planes from Pt. Mugu Naval Air Base in California. The Government later concluded that the sale was not proper, and initiated a forfeiture action to recover the aircraft. Following a 12 month cooperative effort to resolve their differences, Yanks and the Government settled.

Yanks has done its part to ensure the national security of this great country, and in the process, improved its relationship with the Government and Department of the Navy."

This should have never happened in the first place!



I can't see Yanks ever being a "threat" to the United States. The way they put it it seem thats what they thought. Air museums are a patriotic group. I think its a disgrace how some people and organizations in the warbird movement are treated. But such is life I suppose. Im glad our gov'ment is making sure we are safe from possible future threats from Yanks Air museum.

Whow....sorry for the rant. This hit me the wrong way as I am sure it will others.

Cheers,
Nathan

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

I kinda hope Iran can get some F-14 parts. That way there will still be some F-14s flying today!

Also, what is the outcome of the Navy's F-14 seizure from the POF? Has that been resolved yet or not?

I have been told on good authority that is has (some time ago), but cannot offer details.