MSNOW TV reports: Senior officials in the US Navy told the families of servicemen stationed on the USS George Bush in the Middle East that they should be prepared for the possibility of extending its deployment for several more months due to the ongoing naval blockade of Iran. Navy officials told the families that Iranian strikes continue to hit American ships enforcing the blockade of Iran and that their loved ones may not return for the holidays. This is the second time the strike force's mission has been extended since it left Norfolk, Va., on March 31. Initially, combat service was planned for six to seven months.

MSNOW TV reports: Senior officials in the US Navy told the families of servicemen stationed on the USS George Bush in the Middle East that they should be prepared for the possibility of extending its deployment for several more months due to the ongoing naval blockade of Iran. Navy officials told the families that Iranian strikes continue to hit American ships enforcing the blockade of Iran and that their loved ones may not return for the holidays. This is the second time the strike force's mission has been extended since it left Norfolk, Va., on March 31. Initially, combat service was planned for six to seven months.

Navy officials urged families to be prepared for the worst-case scenario - that combat duty could last as long as a year.