USS John S. McCain conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, “By conducting this operation, the U.S. demonstrated that these waters are not Russia’s territorial sea and that the U.S. does not acquiesce in Russia’s claim that Peter the Great is a “historic bay” under international law. PETER THE GREAT BAY – On Nov. 24 (local time) USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of Peter the Great Bay in the Sea of Japan. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging Russia’s excessive maritime…