On any given day, the U.S. Navy deals with real pirates.
But starting this week, the Navy will mix it up with the make-believe pirates of Jose Gaspar and crew, making the annual Navy Week visit to Tampa part of the Gasparilla festivities.
The pretend pirates "take over" Tampa each year as part of the Gasparilla festival.
"They wouldn't stand a chance against today's Navy," joked Navy spokesman Lt. Glenn Sircy.
Kidding aside, Sircy said Navy Week is a chance to bring "the backbone of America, today's Navy" to places that don't serve as home ports or naval air stations, such as Tampa and St. Petersburg.
"We want to open up the doors to what we do on a daily basis for them and our country," Sircy said.
Between those coming to town and those stationed locally with U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, there will be about 100 sailors in Tampa, Sircy said.
There are dozens of events scheduled for Navy Week, which began Thursday and runs through Jan. 29. Highlights include:
• The U.S.S. Constitution color guard and a Navy Dixieland band will march in Saturday's Gasparilla children's parade.
• Navy divers can be seen in The Florida Aquarium's big tank twice a day, talking with guests.
• It will be Navy Night at the Tampa Bay Lightning's game against Atlanta Thrashers at 5 p.m. Sunday. A naval simulator in the Forum's plaza will offer fans a chance to see what its like to take part in a mission, Sircy said.
The only thing missing from Navy Week is a big ship. The Navy was hoping to bring in a guided missile destroyer, but the combination of operational requirements and the lack of berthing space conspired to scuttle that idea, Sircy said.
For information and a schedule of events, go to www.navyweek.org/tampa2011.
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