JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Chloe Gotto loves playing softball, but Monday night she had no idea that she was playing a game with a very special surprise waiting in the wings.
Waiting, out of sight, was the 6-year-old's father, Navy Chief Petty Officer, Charles Gotto. Gotto was deployed 6 months ago and was able to make a special stop in Jacksonville Monday night.
During the game Monday night, Chloe received a pep talk from one of her coaches before she went up to bat.
When she got to the plate, Chloe noticed that the pitcher was a little taller than usual, and he was wearing a Navy uniform. As soon as Chloe realized that was her dad pitching, she charged the mound; it was the moment Chief Petty Officer Gotto said he had been waiting for, for the last six months.
Gotto leaves Wednesday to back to his base. He was able to make the stop in Jacksonville after being moved to another location during his deployment.
"It's a long, long trip, but well worth it even if it's only for a couple of days," said Gotto.
Gotto has three months left of his deployment before he returns to Jacksonville for good.