What is the primary mission of the United States Navy?

The primary mission of the United States Navy is to protect and defend the rights of the United States and its allies. This mission encompasses various roles that the Navy plays in ensuring national security and contributing to global stability. The emphasis on protection and defense highlights the Navy's critical role in warfighting capabilities, deterrence, and projecting power in international waters.

In this context, the Navy operates vessels and submarines that maintain a presence in key regions around the world, safeguarding maritime interests, and ensuring safe passage for commercial and military vessels alike. The fleet is integral to national defense strategies, ready to respond to threats against the U.S. or its allies, thereby reinforcing alliances and partnerships through a visible military presence.

While international diplomacy and humanitarian missions are important functions the Navy may engage in, they are secondary to its fundamental objective of defending the nation and its allies against adversaries. Additionally, while providing naval support for ground troops is a crucial aspect of Navy operations, it still falls under the broader mission of defense, rather than being a primary mission on its own.