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SINGAPORE, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Singapore has stepped up screening of vehicles entering its main petrochemical complex and the U.S. embassy bolstered security outside its main gate in the wake of the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington.

Police, already on heightened alert at Changi Airport and other key facilities, said the checks were part of precautionary measures but would not impede operations at the Jurong Island complex.

Officers have also been told to be on watch for "any suspicious persons or activities".

The U.S. embassy, an imposing, fortified structure on a main road, has erected a series of traffic control barriers outside the gate and restricted access to its parking lot.

In keeping with the end of the official mourning period at home, the U.S. flag outside the embassy has been raised from half-staff.

A U.S. military spokeswoman said personnel were "at an appropriate level of alert".

"I would not say that it's business as usual but we are doing the usual business. That is supplying ships transitting through the region with fuel, food, supplies, spare parts," she said.

The U.S. military has about 150 active duty personnel in Singapore, including some 60 at the logistics command and members on the army, navy, air force and coast guard.

The last large U.S. warship to dock in the city state was the USS Carl Vincent during routine operations in August.

The spokeswoman said she was not aware of the movements of another aircraft carrier, the USS Kitty Hawk, which steamed out of its port near Tokyo on Friday after U.S. President George Bush authorised military action against those behind the attacks.

"The president has said 'get ready' and we are," she said.

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