I was on th4e Nimitz when this took place.
One: The sand screens on the helos were removed so the helos would have the range to complete the mission.
Two: Nimitz was on station for weeks waiting for the GO signal.
Three: Sand storm season for the area started just before the GO signal was sent.
BTW: The Nimitz battle group spent 144 days at sea for this operation.
I was on the USS Mars (AFS 1). We unrepped with you several times. We went to Diego Garcia constantly to pick up supplies so we at least got to get off the ship a few times times during the deployment.