This program is good for the public and good for the Navy. No, the vessel is donated, it is not purchased by the donee. The prospective donee , however, must show evidence of firm financing for the first five years of operation. Each donation application is unique, therefore, the timeframe for a submission of an application various greatly from one applicant to another. The most difficult factor is to obtain the financial support necessary to support a museum ship, long term.
Local support is very important for the future viability of a museum.
If private pledges are to be a source of financing a letter from the pledger and the amount pledged is required. Yes, there are a few instances when the navy received proposals for a specific ship which was not available for donation. In all cases, the Navy will continue to keep in touch with the perspective donee and officially recognizes the proposal when the ship becomes available for donation. Inspections are conducted using active naval facilities as well naval reserve engineering duty officers for the purpose of determining material condition and appearance of the ship, general preservation, safety, and maintenance trends which could indicate the need for more detailed testing and inspections. The Navy does not complete the necessary work needed to preserve these ship, it only provides professional advice and council on how to maintain these vessels.