10 U.S.C. § 9802

(a) The Secretary of the Air Force may settle or compromise an admiralty 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 by other property under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force; (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 or to other property under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force; or (3) 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. (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 $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.