Posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2001

Greeneville discipline: Sad lessons for all

The concluding chapter in the Navy's investigation into the tragic collision between the USS Greeneville and the Japanese fishing boat Ehime Maru is one that saddens everyone.

Cmdr. Scott Waddle, captain of the Greeneville that day, received administrative punishment for what was termed dereliction of duty and negligent hazarding of his Navy vehicle. But his actions, the Navy said, do not add up to something warranting possible criminal sanctions.

These conclusions will bring little true relief to the families of the nine people who lost their lives in that collision. Nothing, no level of punishment for the skipper and crew of the submarine, will bring their sons and husbands home.

Perhaps Waddle's planned visit to Japan to apologize personally will begin the healing of those wounds. But there is also work ahead for our diplomats. They must convince our critics in Japan that the accident was just that: an accident. It must not be allowed to poison this most important bilateral relationship.

Waddle, clearly, takes little satisfaction in the outcome. The Navy career he loved is over. While he does not face criminal sanctions, he will have to live with the fact that he was reprimanded and removed from his command as a result of the cascade of events that led to the collision.

Waddle's discipline stems from the iron logic of Navy command, a logic he acknowledged in his statement yesterday:

"I was and am responsible and accountable for my actions and the actions of my crew that led to the terrible accident at sea on 9 February 2001," he said. "This hearing and the punishment imposed reaffirm that bedrock principle of command accountability."

Waddle's superiors, including Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Thomas Fargo and subfleet commander Rear Adm. Albert Konetzni, are also deeply saddened today. By invoking that bedrock principle of command accountability, they have forced out of the service a rising star and favored son.

Finally, there is the Navy itself: embarrassed, angry and saddened by an accident that should never have happened. When lives are at stake and men and women in harm's way, there is no margin for error.

If that lesson has been driven home, then some small good may come from this tragedy.