WASHINGTON, Sept 25: The USS Enterprise aircraft carrier is deployed in the Indian Ocean and ‘prepared for all contingencies’, its top commander said on Monday, as speculation rises over possible US military action against Iran.

“We’re always prepared for any contingency,” said Rear Admiral Ray Spicer, speaking to reporters in Washington via teleconference.

Spicer commands the Enterprise Strike Group, which includes the nuclear-powered Enterprise and its warplanes, the cruiser Leyte Gulf, the destroyer McFaul, the frigate Nicholas — the last three armed with guided missiles — as well as the attack submarine Alexandria and a combat support ship.

He spoke to reporters as US news media speculates on US military preparations for a possible conflict with Iran.

According to Time magazine, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michael Mullen, has ordered a review of US plans to counter a possible Iranian blockade of the Straits of Hormuz.

Such a blockade would effectively disrupt the flow of oil tankers in the Gulf region.

The Enterprise Group has been in the Indian Ocean providing air support for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since early May, Spicer said.

“This mission also includes protecting the two Iraqi oil terminals in the northern Arabia Gulf, both of which are vital to Iraq’s overall oil infrastructure, as well as Iraq’s economy and self-determination,” said Spicer.

He also said that he had not seen any unusual activity on the Iranian side.

“I can say that, from our perspective, it seems pretty normal,” said Spicer. “I haven’t seen any upsurge in activity.”

—AFP