SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE -- Muddy the Mudcat, the official mascot of the Carolina Mudcats a Minor League Baseball team and his managers flew with the 916th Air Refueling Wing Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
“Today’s flight was an opportunity to say thanks to the Mudcats organization for their continued support of the Armed Services,” said Lt. Col. John Rozsnyai, the deputy operations commander of the 916th Operations Group “additionally, this was a great chance to share the 916th story with one on of our community partners and give them a better understanding of what our men and women do every day."
Muddy flew as part of a base tour in the lead up to the annual Carolina Mudcats military appreciation game at Five County Stadium.
”It’s just a night of appreciation for the members to come out relax and enjoy a game on us,” said Patrick Ennis, the director of promotions and fan experience for the Carolina Mudcats, “We could not do what we do without the military and this is our way of saying thank you to those who serve.“
The flight only lasted about two hours but was packed with beautiful scenery from Carolina’s beautiful coastline.
The flight crew, composed of members of the 77th Air Refueling Squadron ensured that Muddy’s time in the air was memorable.
“It was a very surreal experience to be a part of a flight like that," said Ennis ”It’s amazing what the 916th can do in the air, up there you can really see the skill and precision of the crew firsthand.
For more on the 916th ARW visit https://www.facebook.com/916ARW