It was National Kite Flying Day In 1961, USS Spinax (SSR-489) became the first submarine to fly a kite while submerged. The 5'x7' kite was fashioned from bamboo sticks, a garment bag, cellophane tape and 1500 feet of nylon line. It served no purpose other than to entertain the crew who watched it through the periscope during a Pacifc crossing.