Sub Skipper Ready to Tell All

P E A R L   H A R B O R, Hawaii, March 13 -- Lawyers for former USS Greeneville skipper Cmdr. Scott Waddle are putting the final touches on a document detailing just what he will say if granted immunity by a naval court investigating the submarine's deadly collision with a Japanese fishing boat.

The document is likely to be submitted later this week. It is expected to detail what Waddle will say he saw, did and heard as the nuclear submarine engaged in the emergency surfacing drill that ultimately led to its Feb. 9 collision with the Ehime Maru.

The Ehime Maru was sunk in the accident. Nine Japanese, including four schoolboys, were killed.

The Navy will study the document before determining if Waddle should be granted immunity for his testimony. Sixteen VIP civilian “guests” were on board at the time of the accident.

In addition to Waddle, two other officers — executive officer Lt. Cmdr. Gerald Pfeifer and officer of the deck Lt. Michael Coen — are subjects of the Court of Inquiry, which could lead to a court martial.

Testimony Points to Unexpected Move

During testimony today before the naval Court of Inquiry, the Greeneville's navigator said the submarine was not scheduled to conduct an emergency surfacing drill the day of the accident. But Lt. Keith Sloan testified that Waddle changed his mind at some point.

Sloan also said that when the Greeneville went to periscope depth before the surfacing drill, the watch officers were not briefed. There was no communication among key crew members that the emergency drill was about to happen, Sloan said.

Also testifying was Capt. Robert Brandhuber, the escort officer for the 16 civilians on board the Greeneville. Brandhuber told the court he thought the drill had not been planned ahead of time.

Brandhuber said he thought Waddle may have performed some operations too quickly but Brandhuber said he never said anything to Waddle because he didn't consider the matter serious enough to mention.

A Punch in the Nose