FORT CARSON, COLO. -- Ash from last month's volcanic eruption in Iceland is disrupting some flights bringing U.S. troops from overseas.
Officials say ash is partly to blame for a four-day delay in the return of about 240 Fort Carson soldiers from Afghanistan. They were originally expected Monday but did not arrive until 2:15 Saturday morning.
Fort Carson spokeswoman Brandy Gill says mechanical problems also contributed to the delay.
Ash was also blamed for a delay in returning more than 130 North Dakota National Guard soldiers from peacekeeping duty in Kosovo this week.
The military's Transportation Command says the ash has caused a disruption for an average of three flights a day for the past two weeks. The command says it manages 800 to 900 such flights worldwide each day.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP 05-14-10 1558MDT
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKXRM