Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

San Diego, California – David Mozuch, 91, retired Chief Machinist Mate and survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which began US involvement in World War 2, visited Sailors on the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) home ported in San Diego, November 8, 2012.

At the USS Pearl Harbor’s commissioning, Mozuch worked with the senior leadership of the USS Pearl Harbor, as well as the Naval Archives Group in Washington, D.C. to design a commemorative plaque which would memorialize the sacrifices of all who lost their lives in the attack, and which would serve as a lasting reminder of the cost of freedom to the crew.

While onboard, Mozuch toured the ship with his family, dined with the officers of the wardoom, and spoke with crew members, describing his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor, HI.

“I remember the hardest part was the waiting.” Mozuch remarked while recounting his story, “You could hear the bombs going off from inside the ship, but we had to wait until the engines were ready to go.”

Commander Michael Harris, the Commanding Officer of the USS Pearl Harbor, said he enjoyed the opportunity to host Mozuch and his family.

“It was my honor to meet Mr. Mozuch and have him visit our ship, especially this close to the Veteran’s Day weekend.” Harris remarked. “It’s important that we remember the sacrifices of those who shaped us into the fighting force we are today.”