In 1896, Sousa's first operetta, "El Capitan," was performed and became one of his most successful works. He also wrote a number of comic operas, including "The Bride Elect" and "The Free Lance." Sousa's band continued to tour throughout the United States and Europe and eventually around the world in 1910. After the start of World War I, Sousa joined the Navy and began conducting naval bands. However, in 1920 he left the Navy and returned to his group..