March 28

On March 28, 1776, Spanish colonial official Juan Bautista de Anza led an expedition north from Monterey and identified a defensible hill overlooking San Francisco Bay as the ideal location for a presidio. This strategic site offered commanding views of the Golden Gate and access to freshwater springs. De Anza’s recommendation led to the construction of the Presidio of San Francisco, the first European military installation in the region. Adjacent to the military post, the Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) was soon established to serve local Native American communities. The combination of religious mission and military fort became the nucleus of what would evolve into one of America’s most iconic cities. The presidio played a key role in Spain’s efforts to secure its northern frontier against Russian and British encroachment. Its foundation marked the beginning of continuous European settlement in the San Francisco area. Many of de Anza’s expedition members later became the city’s first civilian residents.

Operation Chariot was a daring Combined Operations raid launched on March 28, 1942, against the German-held lock at Saint-Nazaire. A flotilla of modified destroyers and motor launches rammed the lock gates, while commandos landed to secure demolition charges. Explosions detonated deep within the lock, rendering it unusable for years. The raid prevented Germany from relocating the battleship Tirpitz into the Atlantic Ocean via the Loire estuary. Although casualties were heavy among the raiding force, the mission achieved its strategic objective. Operation Chariot remains one of the most audacious amphibious raids of World War II.

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos began operations on March 28, 2001, replacing the older Ellinikon Airport. Designed by leading architects, the new facility featured state-of-the-art runways, terminals, and passenger amenities. It positioned Athens as a key aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. The airport's opening aimed to accommodate increasing tourism ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games. Investment in modern infrastructure stimulated economic growth and improved Greece's global accessibility. Today, it remains one of the busiest airports in Southeast Europe, renowned for its design and efficiency.