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US Navy Opens Court of Inquiry into Sub Collision
After delaying twice, the US Navy on Monday opened a court of inquiry at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to investigate the fatal collision between a US submarine and a Japanese fishing boat last month.
The court, the US Navy's highest form of administrative investigation, was originally set to open on February 22 but postponed to February 26 because the lawyers of the subjects needed more time to make legal preparations.
It later delayed its first hearing on the case for the second time due to the same reason.
"The tragic consequences of the collision have impacted the lives of both Japanese and American families," said Vice Admiral John Nathman, who is presiding over the hearing.
"While this inquiry cannot change what has happened, a more thorough understanding of what occurred can serve to prevent a reoccurrence," he said.
The USS Greeneville, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, was practicing an emergency ascent drill off Hawaii on February 9 when it hit and sank the Japanese trawler, Ehime Maru. Nine people aboard the Japanese boat, including four high school students, have been missing.
Three officers of the submarine, including its skipper Scott Waddle, have been named subjects to the investigation ordered by Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, commander-in-chief of U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The court, consisting of three U.S. Navy admirals, will examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic collision and recommend whether any disciplinary action is warranted against the subjects.
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