Waddle court-martial unlikely, reports say
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Advertiser Staff and News Services
The Navy court of inquiry into the sinking of the Japanese fishing vessel Ehime Maru has recommended that Cmdr. Scott Waddle, former captain of the submarine USS Greeneville, not be court-martialed for the sinking, several news organizations have reported.
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The New York Times, on its Web site today, said senior Pentagon officials have disclosed that the three admirals on the court voted unanimously against a court-martial recommendation.
It seems likely Cmdr. Scott Waddle will not be court-martialed.
The admirals delivered their findings to Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander of the Pacific Fleet, on Friday. He has 30 days to decide what discipline, if any, the submarine's officers should face.
The Navy said the report would not be made public until Fargo makes his decision.
NBC News quoted unidentified Navy officials Friday as saying it is highly unlikely Waddle will face court-martial, but he could receive a non-criminal punishment such as a critical performance letter in his file.
CBS News, also quoting an unidentified source, said the report is severely critical of Waddle, but is split on disciplinary action.
The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri reported the decision would accuse Waddle of negligence and could issue a divided recommendation on whether he should face court-martial.
Navy sources in Hawai'i were unable to confirm reports about the admirals' recommendations. The report's contents appeared to be closely guarded, said a Navy source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
