June 1979

Friday 01:

The first black-led government of Rhodesia in 90 years takes power, ousting Ian Smith and changing the country's name to Zimbabwe.

Saturday 02:

Pope John Paul II visits his native Poland, becoming the first Pope to visit a Communist country.

Sunday 03:

A blowout at the Ixtoc I oil well in the southern Gulf of Mexico causes at least 600,000 tons (176,400,000 gallons) of oil to be spilled into the waters, the worst oil spill to date. Some estimate the spill to be 428 million gallons, making it the largest unintentional oil spill ever.

Tuesday 12:

Bryan Allen flies the Gossamer Albatross, man powered, across the English Channel.

Monday 18:

SALT II is signed by the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Saturday 23:

Sydney: New South Wales Premier Neville Wran officially opens the Eastern Suburbs Railway. It operates as a shuttle between Central & Bondi Junction until full integration with the Illawarra Line during 1980.

Tuesday 26:

Muhammad Ali retires.

Wednesday 27:

Muhammad Ali announces his retirement from boxing.