The first generator at Boulder (later Hoover) Dam began transmitting electricity to Los Angeles. From 1939 to 1949, Hoover Powerplant was the world's largest hydroelectric installation; with an installed capacity of 2.08 million kilowatts, it is still one of the country's largest. There are 17 main turbines in Hoover Powerplant. The original turbines were all replaced through an uprating program between 1986 and 1993. With a rated capacity of 2,991,000 horsepower, and two station-service units rated at 3,500 horsepower each, for a plant total of 2,998,000 horsepower. The plant has a total nameplate capacity of 2,074,000 kilowatts, and generates more than 4 billion kilowatt-hours a year - enough to serve 1.3 million people.

The terrorists who had taken the passengers and crew of the Achille Lauro hostage agree to release the hostages on condition of safe passage to Tunisia. The next day the aircraft is intercepted by F-14A Tomcats (stationed on the USS Saratoga, CV-60) and directed to land at Naval Air Station Sigonella, a N.A.T.O. base in Sicily where the hijackers are arrested by the Italians.