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10 U.S.C. 8171: Continuation of authority after loss of vessel or aircraftText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 10-ARMED FORCESCHAPTER 821-OFFICERS IN COMMAND

§8171. Continuation of authority after loss of vessel or aircraft

If the crew of any naval vessel or naval aircraft are separated from their vessel or aircraft because of its wreck, loss, or destruction, all the command and authority given to the officers of the vessel or aircraft remain in full force until the crew are discharged or reassigned.

( Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041 , 70A Stat. 372 , § 5951; renumbered § 8171, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, § 807(b)(5) , Aug. 13, 2018 , 132 Stat. 1834 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

5951

34 U.S.C. 264.

May 5, 1950, ch. 169, § 7(a), 64 Stat. 145.

The word “officers” is substituted for the word “officer” since the cited subsection of the Act of May 5, 1950, was intended to reenact the substance of Article 21 of the Articles for the Government of the Navy (R.S. 1624; 34 U.S.C. 1200), in which the word “officers” was used. The words “regularly” and “by competent authority” are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018⁠—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 5951 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.