1733: US President Barack Obama says the United States has an aircaft carrier already off the coast of Japan and another is one its way.
1738: Mr Obama says that during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Naoto Kan he conveyed the American people's "deepest condolences, especially to the victims and their families". "I offered our Japanese friends whatever help is needed," he adds. "We currently have an aircraft carrier in Japan and another is on its way. We also have a ship en route to the Marianas Islands to assist as needed. The defence department is working to account for all our military personnel in Japan. US embassy personnel in Japan have moved to an off-site location, and the state department is working to account for and assist any and all American citizens who are in the country."
