Navy to explain inquiry to Ehime Maru families

Waddle

HONOLULU, Hawaii (CNN) -- A U.S. Navy admiral will meet Friday with the families of the victims who died in the collision between a Navy submarine and a Japanese fishing trawler to explain the possible outcomes of the board of inquiry investigation, the Navy told CNN.

The commander of the naval forces in Japan, Adm. Robert Chaplin, was traveling to Uwajima, Japan, in response to feedback the Navy received that the families didn't understand the board of inquiry and the possible outcomes of the investigation, Cmdr. Bruce Cole of the Pacific Fleet Command told CNN.

The USS Greeneville struck the Ehime Maru on February 9, leaving nine people -- including four high school students -- missing and presumed dead. Twenty-six others from the ship were rescued.

Cole said the visit is not linked to reports that a decision on the punishment for Cmdr. Scott Waddle, the sub captain, is imminent.

"They (Navy officials) want to help the families understand these things that are peculiar to the U.S. military and extend them that courtesy," Cole said.

'We owe it to them'

He said the Navy was aware that family members had seen news reports in Japan saying that Waddle would not face a court-martial.

He said the Navy wanted to keep families as informed as possible and answer questions.

"We owe it to them," he said.

CNN has confirmed that three U.S. admirals on the board of inquiry who heard testimony from 38 witnesses about the collision unanimously recommended that Waddle not face a court-martial, which could have resulted in a prison sentence.

The Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Thomas Fargo, is expected to issue his decision on the punishment soon. One source told CNN that Fargo was leaning toward issuing a nonjudicial punishment called an "admiral's mast" for Waddle. An admiral's mast is an administrative procedure for offenses that are less serious than those that would merit a court-martial, though it would still end Waddle's Navy career.

No court-martial for sub skipper, panel recommends
April 15, 2001
Divided court of inquiry gives recommendations on Navy sub incident
April 13, 2001
Pacific Fleet commander to be briefed on submarine accident
April 12, 2001
USS Greeneville heads to sea for first time since accident
April 11, 2001

NTSB transcripts: Greeneville/Ehime Maru 031201
U.S. Coast Guard
CINCPACFLT :: USS Greeneville (SSN 772) incident
City of Uwajima's memorial site
U.S. Navy
 • CINCPACFLT statement on the USS Greeneville incident
 • Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
 • USS Greeneville

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