SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the authority granted in 33 U.S.C. 1605, the DoN amends 32 CFR part 706.

This amendment provides notice that the DAJAG (Admiralty and Maritime Law), under authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, has certified that USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8) is a vessel of the Navy which, due to its special construction and purpose, cannot fully comply with the following specific provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with its special function as a naval ship: Annex I paragraph 2(a)(i), pertaining to the location of the forward masthead light at a height not less than 12 meters above the hull; Annex I, paragraph 2(f)(i), pertaining to the placement of the masthead light or lights above and clear of all other lights and obstructions; Annex I, paragraph 3(a), pertaining to the location of the forward masthead light in the forward quarter of the ship, and the horizontal distance between the forward and after masthead light; Annex I, paragraph 3(c), pertaining to the task light's horizontal distance from the fore and aft centerline of the vessel in the athwartship direction. The DAJAG (Admiralty and Maritime Law) has also certified that the lights involved are located in closest possible compliance with the applicable 72 COLREGS requirements.

Moreover, it has been determined, in accordance with 32 CFR parts 296 and 701, that publication of this amendment for public comment prior to adoption is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to public interest since it is based on technical findings that the placement of lights on this vessel in a manner differently from that prescribed herein will adversely affect the vessel's ability to perform its military functions.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the DoN amends part 706 of title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

1. The authority citation for part 706 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1605.

2. Section 706.2 is amended by:

a. In Table One, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8);

b. In Table Four, under paragraph 15, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8);

c. In Table Four, under paragraph 16, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8); and

d. In Table Five, adding, in alpha numerical order, by vessel number, an entry for USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8).

81 FR 3718