Sub Skipper Ready to Tell All

P E A R L   H A R B O R, Hawaii, March 13, 2001 -- 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

On Monday, Rear Adm. Al Konetzni, commander of the submarine forces in the Pacific — and Waddle’s boss — said the embattled skipper was his friend for life.

But he added: “I would like to go over there and punch him in the nose for not taking more time.”

The admiral also said Waddle made a critical mistake when he “took the con” — or control — of the submarine at two critical points: when he ordered the submarine to come to periscope depth, and when he ordered the submarine to dive just before its emergency surface.

By taking the con twice in that quick period, he failed to properly rely on his crew for critical information.

The admiral said other factors, such as the presence of civilians, did not lead to the crash.

However, sources have told ABCNEWS that some civilians who were onboard the sub at the time of the accident have been asked to be ready to come to Hawaii to testify if the Navy calls them.

ABCNEWS' John McWethy contributed to this report.