An English explorer and vice admiral who completed England's first circumnavigation of the globe. Francis Drake was an English navigator and privateer under Elizabeth I. He moved from family sea trade to raiding Spanish colonies, seizing great prizes and becoming the face of England's "Sea Dogs". In 1577 he sailed to strike Spain's Pacific coast. He rounded Cape Horn, raided ports, crossed the Pacific, and returned via the Indian Ocean. He completed the first English circumnavigation, shared vast treasure with the Queen, and was knighted. In 1588, as vice admiral, he helped defeat the Spanish Armada. Fireshops shattered the enemy at anchor, then English guns hit them at range. The Armada fled north with heavy losses, and England rose as the leading naval power. Legend says Drake left a drum to be beaten in England's hour of need so he would return. Sailors later claimed to hear it in wartime. Myth or not, Drake endures as a symbol of