France was a member of NATO from the very beginning. In the 60s France had some manner of dispute with the rest of NATO and disassociated themselves in some capacity, but technically remained a member. Since 2009, French/NATO relations have been largely normalized, I think with the exception of how the French government chooses to control France's nukes.

> Edit: ok they are. But they did attempt to withdraw and were only stopped by the 20 year rule. And they still don't have unified nuclear command.

Be that as it may, I don't think Americans need an expensive navy to protect themselves from the French.

That would be news to NATO. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/nato_countries.htm

France is a founding member of NATO.