Sub's skipper summoned to admiral's mast
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Advertiser Staff
Cmdr. Scott Waddle has been summoned to an admiral's mast at 8 a.m. Monday, when he will learn his punishment for his role in the collision of the USS Greeneville with the Ehime Maru, Waddle's attorney said yesterday.
Nine people died aboard the Japanese fishing vessel in the Feb. 9 accident that has strained relations between the United States and Japan.
The admiral's mast, convened by Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander of the Pacific Fleet, is an administrative hearing that precludes Waddle from being court-martialed. It could result in house arrest, a fine or a letter of reprimand.
"We have been assured that Adm. Fargo will meet with Scott with an open mind," said Charles Gittins, Waddle's attorney. He said that Fargo and Waddle have not yet spoken and that the admiral's mast was arranged through Fargo's executive assistant.
Waddle, 41, intends to appeal Fargo's punishment if he believes there are sufficient grounds, Gittins said in an e-mail to The Advertiser.
Following the hearing, Waddle will release a statement but will not hold a press conference, Gittins said.
Gittins, who represented Waddle during a 12-day court of inquiry into the accident, said his client will submit retirement papers "a short time" after the disciplinary proceedings are resolved.
Waddle will retire as a commander, with a full pension and an honorable discharge "consistent with the character of his 20 years' service," Gittins said.
Gittins said Waddle was permitted yesterday to review the court of inquiry report, completed after three Navy admirals listened to 33 witnesses during last month's proceedings at Pearl Harbor. Waddle faced the court of inquiry along with two of his crew members.
Waddle already has a number of "very good" job offers and "intends to concentrate on his life after the Navy after he has resolved the matters that are pressing at this time," Gittins said.
Waddle and his family haven't decided whether they'll stay in Hawai'i, Gittins said.
"Scott does not know where he will settle," Gittins said. "It will be based on what is best for his family, as is only right."
