May 23, 2013
Mobile's celebration of Mardi Gras has attracted some special visitors -- about 200 sailors serving aboard a Navy frigate.
The Press-Register reports the USS Samuel B. Roberts arrived Friday for a five-day port call during Mardi Gras celebrations on the Alabama coast.
The 400-foot military ship, which fires guided missiles, sailed to Mobile from Jacksonville, Fla.
Mayor Sam Jones along with other local dignitaries greeted the sailors.
The ship is scheduled to welcome visitors through Monday.
It's the second time in four years that a Navy ship has stopped in Mobile for Mardi Gras.
This year the U.S. sailors will have some company from Canada.
Two Canadian coastal sweepers -- the Summerside and Kingston - were scheduled to arrive Saturday in Mobile with about 25 sailors each.
