Freighter Turns Back

A North Korean freighter suspected of carrying illegal weapons,the Kang Nam,has turned back toward its home port.The freighter went as far as the coast of Vietnam before turning around.As of this morning,it was about 250 miles-or 402.32 kilometers-south of Taiwan,heading north.It was believed to have been headed for Myanmar,or Burma.It has been monitored by the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS John S McCain(DDG56).The U.S. Navy intends to restart production of the Arleigh Burke class,after deciding that the new Zumwalt class of destroyers is too costly,and not as well-suited to today's challenges.Only three Zumwalt class destroyers will be built.

Destroyer Follows Freighter

The USS John S McCain(DDG56),an Arleigh Burke class destroyer,is shadowing a North Korean freighter,the Kang Nam,on an odyssey through East Asian waters.The freighter is suspected of carrying illegal weapons to Myanmar,or Burma.Although the McCain could legally stop the freighter,it probably will not do so,in order to avoid setting off the volatile North Korean regime.It will likely just focus the international spotlight on the activity,showing the world's disapproval and vigilance.
Meanwhile,special radar equipment has been positioned in the Pacific to protect Hawaii,which North Korea is threatening with a missile test in early July.The destroyer McCain is named for the father and grandfather of U.S. Senator John McCain,R-Arizona,both of whom were Navy admirals.It can sail at more than 30 knots.