 Greeneville heard other ships before accident
Relatives of those missing want sunken vessel raised
Video of victims' families news conference
Graphic: Searching for the Ehime Maru
NTSB investigators use publicity to force changes
Japanese town leaders demand U.S. apology
U.S.-Japan alliance not threatened, says official
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By Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer
The captain of the USS Greeneville, its executive officer and officer of the deck will go before a Court of Inquiry on Thursday at Pearl Harbor and face the Navy’s highest form of investigation, Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander of the Pacific Fleet, said this afternoon.
Fargo would not reveal details of the Navy’s preliminary investigation of the Feb. 9 collision between the Greeneville, a fast attack submarine, and the Ehime Maru, a Japanese vessel used to train fishermen.
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Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, talks to reporters today about his decision to convene an inquiry into the actions of Cmdr. Scott Waddle and two senior officers of the USS Greeneville. The inquiry could lead to court martials.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser |
He described the preliminary investigation as a “closed process.” The court of inquiry, however, will be open to the public and media.
Fargo today did release the names of 16 civilians who were on board the Greeneville at the time of the crash, including two who were sitting at the ship’s controls.
The court of inquiry will focus on the Greeneville captain, Cmdr. Scott Waddle, the executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Gerald K. Pfeifer, and officer of the deck Lt. (j.g) Michael J. Coen.
The court is directed to inquire into all facets of the collision, Fargo said.
“They will recommend administrative or disciplinary action if appropriate, as well as make any other recommendations as to the circumstances surrounding the accident,” he said.
Fargo said the Board of Inquiry can lead to court martials.
The court will consist of three U.S. flag officers, led by Vice Adm. John B. Nathman, Commander of the Pacific Fleet’s naval air force. The other members are Rear Adm. Paul F. Sullivan, director for plans and policies at the U.S. Strategic Command, and Rear Adm. David M. Stone, commander of Destroyer Group 5.
Fargo also intends to invite Japan to send a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force flag officer to participate as an advisor.
“The seriousness in which I view this tragic accident is reflected in the level of investigation and the seniority of the court members,” Fargo said. “It will provide a full and open accounting for the American and Japanese people.”
Meanwhile, the names of civilians board the Greeneville at the time of the submarine's collision were released by the Navy this afternoon. They are:
Jay and Carol Brehmer of Overland Park, Kan.; Jack and Pat Clary of Stow, Mass.; Helen Cullen of Houston, Texas; John M. and Leigh Schnell Hall of Sealy, Texas; Mike Mitchell of Irving, Texas; Mickey and Susan Nolan of Honolulu; Anthony and Susan Schnur of The Woodlands, Texas; Todd and Deanda Thoman of Houston, Texas; and Ken and Catherine Graham Wyatt of Golden, Colo.
Hall was one of two civilians who were at the sub's controls when it ascended and struck the Ehime Maru. The Navy has not identified the other civilian who was at the sub's controls. The group of civilians were on a community relations trip on the submarine when the accident occurred.
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