The Obama administration says the U.S. is ready for any threat from North Korea.

That after new indications that Pyongyang is preparing for a long-range missile test around the Fourth of July.

In response, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has announced sending missile interceptors to Hawaii just in case.

"I think we are in a good position, should it become necessary, to protect the American territory," said Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Meanwhile, South Korean media report that a U.S. Navy destroyer is tailing a North Korean ship suspected of carrying missiles.  

This could be the first test of new U.N. sanctions against the North.