AP reports that missions from the USS Kitty Hawk were suspended Wednesday due to weather conditions.
A towering sandstorm over the Persian Gulf interrupted bombing missions Wednesday from at least one U.S. aircraft carrier and grounded coalition helicopters in southern Iraq. Navy officials said only two F/A-18 Hornet fighters aboard the USS Kitty Hawk were able to launch before a swirling cloud of dust blowing in from the northwest enveloped the ship just after midday. Visibility was reduced to less than 100 yards. Dozens more launches were put on hold until later Wednesday, when the flight plan would be reviewed. At least two sorties were canceled outright.
UPDATE: AP reported later today: "A sandstorm that halted bombing missions from one U-S aircraft carrier cleared up, and flight operations aboard the USS Kitty Hawk resumed after a four-and-a-half-hour delay."
Posted by Alan at March 26, 2003 11:36 AM