Battle of Baltimore Navy inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry", which later became the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the United States of America. Future President James Buchanan served as Private in the defense of Baltimore. Until April 1814, Great Britain was at war with Napoleonic France, which limited British war aims in America. During this time the British primarily used a defensive strategy and repelled American invasions of the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. However, the Americans gained naval control over Lake Erie in 1813, and seized parts of western Ontario.
USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) evacuate the staff of the US embassy should the need arise due to the collapse of the Yemeni government. In mid-February, "Fort McHenry" participated in a major amphibious exercise, "Cold Response". Together with the Dutch amphibious transport docks HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801), HNLMS Rotterdam (L800) they formed the base from where the Marines carried out their attack. USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) USS "Fort McHenry" (LSD-43) is a "Whidbey Island"-class dock landing ship of the United States Navy. She was named for Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland, the 1814 defense of which inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner". USS Fort McHenry (LSD