By
The Associated Press
HONOLULU - The skipper of the USS Greeneville has been assured his disciplinary hearing today will be conducted "with an open mind" and expects to retire with full pension and an honorable discharge, his attorney said.
Cmdr. Scott Waddle plans to travel to Japan after he retires to meet with families of the nine Japanese students and adults killed when the Greeneville collided with the school's fishing boat on Feb. 9, said civilian attorney Charles Gittins.
Waddle's commanding officer, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Thomas Fargo, will punish Waddle today at a hearing known as an "admiral's mast," rather than institute a court-martial proceeding. It will mean the end of Waddle's Navy career, although he will not face the prospect of prison.
"He will retire as commander, with full pension and with an honorable characterization of discharge, consistent with the character of his 20 years service," Gittins told The Associated Press.
Waddle has apologized and accepted full blame for the collision that sank the Ehime Maru. The collision occurred as the giant submarine was conducting a rapid resurfacing exercise in waters off Hawaii.
Navy officials have acknowledged that the surfacing demonstration was done only for the benefit of 16 civilians aboard, three of whom were seated at the sub's controls at the time of the collision.
Waddle could face other disciplinary action, including letters of reprimand and fines, but the decision not to have him to face a court martial has angered many Japanese. A Japanese official said Friday that the families of those killed will not be satisfied unless Waddle faces a court martial.
