Coast Guard Float Participates in King Rex Parade

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard float proceeds in the King Rex parade during Mardi Gras Day festivities in downtown, Feb. 12, 2013. The float is specially designed to resemble a Coast Guard cutter to increase visibility for recruiting during Mardi Gras. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bill Colclough.

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard participated in the King Rex parade in downtown during Mardi Gras Day festivities, Tuesday.

Coast Guardsmen from the 8th Coast Guard District and Coast Guard Sector New Orleans treated revelers with various Coast Guard memorabilia and assorted Mardi Gras throws.

The Coast Guard annually participates in Mardi Gras by delivering the monarchs of Mardi Gras as well as manning a float for several parades throughout the carnival season.

The presence of the float during Mardi Gras increases visibility for Coast Guard recruiting and enhances awareness for the public of the Coast Guard's role as protectors of the Gulf and the heartland.

NEW ORLEANS - Lt. Kelly Haupt looks for some beads to throw to revelers during the King Rex parade during Mardi Gras Day festivities aboard the Coast Guard float in downtown, Feb. 12, 2013. The float is specially designed to resemble a Coast Guard cutter to increase visibility for recruiting during Mardi Gras. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bill Colclough.

NEW ORLEANS - Members of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans toss beads to revelers atop the Coast Guard float during the King Rex parade during Mardi Gras Day festivities in downtown, Feb. 12, 2013. The float is specially designed to resemble a Coast Guard cutter to increase visibility for recruiting during Mardi Gras. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bill Colclough.

NEW ORLEANS - Lt. Brooke Grant (right foreground) prepares to throw some beads to revelers during the King Rex parade during Mardi Gras Day festivities aboard the Coast Guard float in downtown, Feb. 12, 2013. The float is specially designed to resemble a Coast Guard cutter to increase visibility for recruiting during Mardi Gras. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bill Colclough.