CG Transports Royalty, Debuts New Float During Mardi Gras

While the U.S. Coast Guard has a global mission, operating in all corners of the United States and around the world, the agency’s individual units nevertheless take on some of the local flavor of their communities. Nowhere is that more evident than during Carnival season in New Orleans, home to both Coast Guard Sector New Orleans and the headquarters of the Eighth Coast Guard District, also known as Coast Guard Heartland.

Since 1987, the U.S. Coast Guard has transported Rex, the King of Carnival, and his entourage to New Orleans, his “Winter Capital,” on Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras. A few years later, the Coast Guard began also transporting representatives of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club on Lundi Gras. Rex and the Zulu king now meet at Woldenberg Park in the French Quarter to officially kick off Mardi Gras in the city.

This year, as in years past, members of both organizations rode on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pamlico, an inland construction tender, from the Port of New Orleans’ administrative building down to the French Quarter. Aboard the Pamlico, Rex and Zulu members were joined by representatives from the Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the maritime industry.

Besides transporting Rex and Zulu royalty, including King of Carnival John Eastman and Zulu King Melvin Labat, the Coast Guard’s participation in New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions is a way to both celebrate the city’s unique culture and highlight the mission of the Coast Guard, said Rear Adm. David Barata, who was marking his first Carnival season as commander of the Eighth District.

“The city always treats us really well,” Barata said. “And it’s a huge honor to be a part of this celebration of bringing both Rex and Zulu downtown, celebrating with the mayor and the city.”

Barata noted the special connection that the Coast Guard shares with the region, due in part to crises like Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the city’s history as a center for maritime trade.

“We have such a connection with the city, and there’s a lot of people who get stationed down here and never want to leave,” Barata said. “That’s how I’m feeling. Mardi Gras is so amazing.”

Barata said the Coast Guard is thrilled with its new Mardi Gras float, which is in the likeness of a Coast Guard cutter with a helicopter on the stern. The float was designed and built by renowned Mardi Gras float builder Kern Studios.

“I rode the float in Endymion,” Barata said. “Taking that left down Canal Street and seeing all the lights was pretty amazing.”

The Coast Guard band and honor guard also participated in Mardi Gras parades, all of which, Barata said, was a way for the Coast Guard to give back to the community and, hopefully, recruit the next generation of service members to the agency.

Caption for photo: His Majesty the King of Carnival, John Eastman, presents a royal decree of appreciation to Rear Adm. David Barata, commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, aboard the cutter Pamlico on February 12, known as “Lundi Gras” in New Orleans. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard)