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.