The Children of Battleship Row - Now and Then, Learning from the Attack

Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Schultz | 161205-N-FE250-960 PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 5, 16) Zuber Earle, the author of the book "The Children of Battleship Row," a survivor herself from the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, took time to sign copies and meet dozens of Navy families living along the same waterfront bombed 75 years ago this week. Here she points our to the Culbertson family, who reside on Ford Island today, where she lived. Her house was in the vicinity of Battleship Row, and an active duty military family resides there today. The Culbertson family lives a few hundred yards away. Today there are more than 50,000 Navy 'family' residing in Hawaii in support of the U.S. Pacific Fleet mission to provide combat-ready, credible forces available and deployed in the vast maritime theater. That includes active duty and reserve Sailors, government civilians, retirees and their family members. (U.S. Navy photo by David Werner)  

PEARL HARBOR, HI, UNITED STATES

12.05.2016

Story by Chief Petty Officer Mark Schultz 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR -- The author of the book "The Children of Battleship Row," a survivor herself from the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, took time to sign copies and meet dozens of Navy families living along the same waterfront bombed 75 years ago this week.

Joan Zuber Earle, who lived in Quarters "T" on Ford Island with her family on the day of the attack, was nine years old. The Culbertson family, one of the Navy families who came out to have their book signed, currently resides on Ford Island.

"It is an honor to live there. Living here is so special because it's where history was made. It teaches us valuable lessons as a Navy family," said Gina Culbertson.

Her husband is a chief petty officer on the Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 76). His grandfather served on the famed World War II aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV 6). The ship was underway south of Oahu that morning, and put into Pearl Harbor for fuel and supplies before nightfall. The Enterprise sailed early the next morning to patrol against possible additional attacks against the islands. The ship earned 20 battle stars for her WWII service.

Their daughter, Jade, who is also nine, and their son, Justin, who is eight, made the trip with their mother.

"Hawaii's a pretty nice place to live. I think it was bombed back then - my dad told me about it," said Justin. "I think it was by the Japanese, and I think they played for the Germans? But everyone must've seen how bad it was because there hasn't been a big war out here in like 75 years," he said.

Ironically, the family has visited the USS Bowfin submarine museum, known as the "Pearl Harbor Avenger" for its WWII battle record, but not yet been on the advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Hawaii, because it's been undergoing maintenance.

"My teacher really made a big deal of it and it last year it was really important," said Jade.

Earle pointed out to the Culbertson family where she lived in one of her book's photos from the attack. Her house was in the vicinity of Battleship Row, and an active duty military family resides there today. The Culbertson family lives a few hundred yards away.

Jade asked Earle how she survived the war. Recounting the challenges, including separation from loved ones, she said "We were lucky."

A handful of Ford Island child survivors have made the trip here to participate in the Pearl Harbor commemorative activities. Besides planning to attend the Dec. 7th Remembrance Ceremony, the group will also embark on a harbor remembrance tour boat around the island which includes a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial. They are also enjoying a number of functions held in their honor.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2016
• Date Posted: 12.06.2016 01:31
• Story ID: 216527
• Location: PEARL HARBOR, HI, US
• Hometown: PEARL HARBOR, HI, US