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Sub Skipper Reprimanded; Ending Career

Commander Found Guilty Of Two Offenses

Albert How, Staff Writer

Cmdr. Scott Waddle has received a letter of reprimand as punishment for the deadly collision between the submarine USS Greeneville and a Japanese fishing vessel off the coast of Oahu, effectively ending his Navy career. USS Greeneville tragedy

Watch Adm. Fargo's Statement Adm. Fargo's Statement
Official Memorandum
Court Of Inquiry Report
Collision Summary
Court of Inquiry Daily Transcripts
Court of Inquiry Evidence

Commissioned: Feb. 16, 1996

Los Angeles-class attack nuclear submarine

Homeported in Pearl Harbor in March 1997

Max crew: 130

Specs:

499 tons

190.8 feet long

30.5 feet wide

Max crew: 76

In a statement released by Waddle's attorney, Waddle said that he intends to retire from the U.S. Navy by Oct. 1. "While I regret that my Navy career has ended in this way, I know that I am one of the lucky ones because I survived the accident,'' Waddle said in the statement. Nine Japanese sailors from the Ehime Maru are presumed dead after their ship sank Feb. 9 into 2,000 feet of water after the Greeneville surfaced under it nine miles south of Diamond Head during an emergency surfacing drill. U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Thomas Fargo, found Waddle guilty of two offenses: dereliction of duty and negligent hazarding of a vessel. Waddle was informed of his punishment Monday morning during a hearing with Fargo known as an admiral's mast. "This collision was solely the fault of the USS Greeneville," Fargo said during a news conference. "Cmdr. Waddle is responsible for this accident and he has publicly accepted this responsibility." Cmdr. Scott Waddle

Fargo found that Waddle (pictured, right) created an "artificial sense of urgency" during the surfacing drill that led to the incident. An investigation by a three-admiral panel revealed that Waddle conducted the drill largely for the benefit of 16 civilian guests who were touring the submarine. "None of the embarked individuals directly contributed to the accident," Fargo said. "They did prove to be a distraction." The court of inquiry also revealed that Waddle neglected some safety procedures that could have avoided the incident and that the submarine was not properly staffed. However, all three admirals recommended no court-martial. Fargo agreed, saying that he found "no deliberate intent or criminal misconduct." Under Fargo's punishment, Waddle will be allowed to retire honorably with full benefits. He did order that Waddle forfeit half of his pay for two months. However, because Fargo suspended the order for six months, Waddle will receive full pay until he retires. Two other officers from the Greeneville were also targeted by Fargo. Lt. j.g. Michael Coen, officer of the deck during the collision, was given a verbal reprimand and a non-punitive letter. Navy officials told KITV4 News that Coen's reprimand was not so much a punishment as it was instruction. Coen will be allowed to continue his Navy career. Capt. Robert Brandhuber, the escort for 16 civilian guests and senior officer on the Greeneville during the collision, received a verbal reprimand from Fargo. Petty Officer Patrick Seacrest, the Greeneville's fire-control technician, will be punished through a captain's mast, a procedure similar to admiral's mast. Fargo's decisions are likely to anger the Japanese families of crew members from the Ehime Maru, who were demanding a court-martial as part of a fuller accounting of the incident. Fargo insisted that it wasn't necessary. "I think what they are looking for is accountability," Fargo said. "That is precisely what we attempted to provide." Fargo Orders Changes In Policy In the aftermath of the USS Greeneville incident, Fargo ordered all his Pacific Fleet commanders to personally approve all plans related to civilians visits on ships or submarines. He also ordered his deputy commander begin a review the fleet's civilian embarkation policy and to make sure the policy is consistent throughout the Navy. "The Distinguished Visitor embarkation program is extremely valuable to a nation like ours," Fargo said. "The public has a right and need to know and understand how the Navy operates and the service it provides to the country." Fargo also ordered the commander of the U.S. submarine forces in the Pacific to conduct a case study that will be used in training for ships and submarines. "It will serve to remind all that no matter how apparently routine the mission, there is nothing about going to sea that is forgiving," Fargo said. Previous Stories: