Special naturalization event for Conn. immigrants

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — The only active commissioned sailing vessel in the U.S. military service is set to host a special naturalization ceremony for a group of immigrants living in Connecticut.

Sixteen immigrants will become U.S. citizens at the ceremony scheduled to be held Friday afternoon aboard the U.S. Coast Guard's Barque Eagle in New London.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says candidates for citizenship come from 10 countries, including Colombia, Dominican Republic, India, Mexico, Jamaica and the United Arab Emirates.

Senior U.S. District Judge Warren Eginton will administer the Oath of Allegiance on the deck of the Eagle, a 295-foot sailing vessel which also the largest tall ship flying the U.S. flag.

The three-masted barque has more than 22,000 square feet of sail and five miles of rigging.