HONOLULU — The Navy says a Pearl Harbor-based frigate is due to deploy to the Western Pacific this week for fisheries patrols and humanitarian aid missions.

The USS Reuben James is scheduled to leave Friday. It’s due to patrol for fisheries violations together with the U.S. Coast Guard. It’s also expected to distribute medical supplies in the Philippines.
The vessel has a crew of about 250 officers and enlisted sailors.
Frigate sailors are trained to hunt for enemy submarines. They provide protection for amphibious expeditionary forces and supply convoys.