2009 – Greek state-owned airline Olympic Airlines ceased operation. It was replaced by privately owned Olympic Air, which commenced operations on this day.
1995 – The United States Navy disbands Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84), nicknamed the “Jolly Rogers”. Aside from their role in the Bays of Pigs Invasion, Vietnam, Desert Storm and more, they were also highlighted in the 1980 film “The Final Countdown” where their F-14s can be seen dogfighting with World War II Japanese Mitsubishi Zeros (see YouTube clip below!).
1990 – The YF-22, which would later become the F-22 Raptor, flies for the first time.
1988 – NASA launches STS-26 with Space Shuttle Discovery, the “Return to Flight” mission two and a half years after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
1964 – The first takeoff and landing of the XC-142A vertical take-off transport is made in Dallas, Texas. The aircraft had four 2,850-hp General Electric turboprops mounted on the wings that can pivot 90 degrees to allow for a vertical take-off.
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