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CNN Saturday Morning News
Court of Inquiry Delivers Results of USS Greeneville Investigation
Aired April 14, 2001 - 08:34 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: From determination to damage control, the U.S. Navy has been the subject of several major international news stories in the past several weeks. CNN's Martin Savidge has been covering the return of the U.S. Navy crew from China and the court of inquiry into the accidental sinking of a Japanese ship by a U.S. submarine. Yesterday, the court handed over the results of that inquiry and Martin has more on that.
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MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The three admirals of the court of inquiry were reportedly deeply divided over what punishment should be handed down to the three officers of the USS Greeneville. Their findings were delivered Friday to the commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Thomas Fargo.
The 2,000 page report is made up mostly of testimony from the 12 day court of inquiry held last month. Witnesses revealed a number of lapses by the Greeneville's commander, Scott Waddle, culminating with the submarine rocketing to the surface February 9, sinking a Japanese training vessel, killing nine of her crew.
Among the errors, Waddle allowed unqualified personnel at the Greeneville's sonar station and a periscope search that was too quick. The last mistake was made by a crewman monitoring surface contacts who failed to alert the officers of just how close the fishing trawler was to the submarine.
Among the possible recommendations by the court, the most serious would be for a court-martial, which could lead to possible prison sentences of over 29 years. But some close to the court suggest a less serious punishment, known as an admiral's mast. Disciplinary action there could range from one month house arrest to a negative letter in the officer's file.
EARLE PARDINGTON, MILITARY LAW EXPERT: In this particular case, if there were an admiral's mast given to Commander Waddle, I have no doubt that the punishment imposed would be a letter of reprimand.
SAVIDGE: But two light a punishment could rekindle Japanese anger over the incident that for a time strained relations with the United States. (on camera): The fate of the three officers now rests in the hands of Admiral Thomas Fargo, who has 30 days to figure out what punishment, if any, to deliver. One aide that's close to the admiral says it is unlikely that he will take all of that time. Ironically, the briefing by the court of inquiry into the incident of the Greeneville was scheduled to take place today, but in a totally different location, San Diego. It had to be rescheduled and relocated here to Hawaii because of another Navy incident involving the detainment of a Navy crew from a surveillance plane in China.
Martin Savidge, CNN, Pearl Harbor.
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