Robust Freedom of Navigation Operations Must Continue FONOPs benefit the United States as well as the rest of the international community – and enjoy bipartisan support in Washington. By January 26, 2021 The French amphibious assault ship LHD Tonnerre (L9014), left, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), right, patrol the open seas, January 25, 2018. Credit: Flickr/Official U.S. Navy Page Advertisement Since its founding, the United States has protected freedom of navigation. Of all lawful uses of the oceans, freedom of navigation has proven the most critical to American national security by enabling the global mobility of U.S. forces, and to U.S. economic prosperity by facilitating free and open maritime commerce. What is more, these benefits are not singularly enjoyed by the United States but rather by all law-abiding countries.