June 18 (Bloomberg) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he has ordered the U.S. military to take defensive measures should North Korea attempt to fire a ballistic missile toward Hawaii.

“I think we are in a good position, should it become necessary, to protect American territory,” Gates told reporters at the Pentagon today.

-0- Jun/18/2009 18:22 GMT

Last Updated: June 18, 2009 14:22 EDT