India, Nov. 12 -- Families of sailors serving aboard the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group have been warned to prepare for a deployment lasting as long as 12 months, as the prolonged conflict involving Iran continues to keep American naval forces in the region.

US Navy officials delivered the warning during a meeting with around 500 family members at Naval Station Norfolk on November 9. They also confirmed that the carrier would not return home for the holidays, adding to concerns among families who have already faced repeated extensions.

The latest warning marks the second extension since the carrier left Norfolk, Virginia, on March 31. The strike group had initially been scheduled for a standard six- to seven-month deployment....