Ship-based interceptor to be tested off Kaua'i

Published: Jun 21, 2006
Source: www.honoluluadvertiser.com



A sea-based missile defense test flight will take place today off Kaua'i amid reports North Korea may be prepping to test-fire a long-range missile over the Pacific.

The director of the Missile Defense Agency, Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry "Trey" Obering, was scheduled to view the test flight on Kaua'i, but the trip to Hawai'i was canceled "due to current events," Missile Defense Agency spokesman Chris Taylor said.

The Kaua'i test is part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program and had been scheduled for months and was not related to any developments in North Korea, Taylor said. But reports of a possible test launch by the reclusive nation have focused new attention on the U.S. missile defense effort and given new impetus to the large-scale "Valiant Shield" war games involving three U.S. aircraft carriers under way off Guam.continue..