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Tap Code “By tapping covertly on our cell walls using an alphabet code we maintained our unity. We encouraged and cared for each other. We passed information, learned poetry, even learned new languages. I got to know my fellow prisoners like brothers, though I’d never even seen them.”
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Friday, February 16, 2001 Media, the Navy and the USS Greeneville – Ehime Maru Collision
In seeking perspective to the recent tragic accidental sinking of the Ehime Maru by the submarine USS Greeneville, a couple of issues have emerged that really need to be addressed; the media coverage - which has said more than enough -- and the Navy’s coverage which -- in regard to the submarine’s commander and crew -- has said too little.
To the Star Bulletin’s credit, editorials have endeavored to put the accident in perspective; i.e., so long as we need an ever-ready military capability, training will be constant and accidents will be inevitable. A further irony in this regard, the editorials have pointed out, is that Japan and other Asian nations have been the beneficiaries of the political stability and freedom of the seas resulting from the presence of well trained American military forces throughout that part of the world. Asian leaders understand the value of that presence if not always acknowledging it publicly. On Feb. 12th an editorial actually said “The Navy routinely takes precaution to prevent such accidents. (There will be) an extensive investigation; it would be pointless to speculate on the cause until the facts are revealed.” Given this editorial stand, why then has the Star Bulletin -- especially through it’s headlines -- been a major contributor to the media’s speculative feeding frenzy.
Early articles implied the Greeneville’s crew was derelict in not affecting an immediate rescue of the trawler’s crew. Subsequent information confirmed that, under the specific circumstances, it would have endangered the survivors more to try to take them aboard the submarine, especially when the arrival of appropriate rescue vehicles was eminent.
Headline -- “2 Civilians were at subs controls”. This sensationalized banner implies a grossly irregular situation existed aboard the submarine at the time of the accident when, of course, it has now been clarified that familiarization cruises for civilians during training evolutions are common. Sadly, this early implication that civilians “at the controls” could have been a caused factor has heightened the anger and anguish of the surviving crew members and the entire Japanese community where the Ehime Maru was home ported. The fact that 2 civilians were seated in 2 control stations is totally irrelevant to the accident.
Headline -- “Navy May Charge Submarine Skipper” Then; “The Navy is Considering Possible Criminal Charges Against The Captain of the Nuclear Attack Submarine USS Greeneville ...” The accompanying article contains virtually no basis for such an inflammatory and near libelous headline; only that any such charges (if ever made) would be made by the Commander of Submarine Group Nine based at Bangor, Washington. Now the distraught families of the lost crew and students are referring to Commander Waddle as “the most terrible criminal of them all.” Headline -- “Navy Withholds Identity of Civilians”. The implication here is that the Navy is perpetrating some cover up. The headline could just as well have read; “Navy honors civilian requests for anonymity.” And why would these civilians request privacy? Because they know they will be hounded by the media. Indeed CNN (not surprisingly) and the Star Bulletin (surprisingly) have both actively sought the roster of civilians guests through the Freedom of Information Act. Typically it seems, the media just can’t wait to get to these people before they’ve had a chance to contribute their testimony to the investigation. One prominent Star Bulletin columnist even suggested we should feel shame because of this accident. Sorrow and sadness, of course. Shame???
To be considered a mature newspaper, the Star Bulletin should hold itself to the definition of maturity; “to forego instant gratification for the longer term benefit; the benefit in this case, the TRUTH.
The second issue is the deafening silence of the Navy brass in Commander Waddle’s immediate chain of command. Not one officer with stars -- not Commander Submarine Group Nine, not Commander Submarine Force Pacific, not Commander in Chief of Pacific Fleet, and not the Chief of Naval Operations -- have publicly expressed confidence in and support for Commander Scott Waddle. Waddle has an impeccable career record and was as often as not COMSUBPAC’s choice of Skipper to escort civilian VIPs through his boat and out to sea. Having spent the better part of a a day with him and his crew while the Greeneville was at the pier, his enthusiasm and professionalism were contagious. With obvious pride he introduced every one of his crewmen as we would encounter them and compliment each on some personal achievement. He exemplifies the very best of our Pacific submarine force.
And yet the silence is deafening. Loyalty goes both ways, up and DOWN the chain of command. Ever since the highly politically charged Tailhook incident several years ago, too many senior Naval officers have just rolled over rather than show the guts to stick up for their people. A simple statement from one of Waddle’s seniors, like “Commander Scott Waddle is on of the most meticulous, most professional naval officers I’ve ever known and I have every confidence that he and his crew followed the proper procedures for the maneuver they were undertaking. In the unlikely event the investigation reveals any culpability on his part he will be held accountable, just as he himself would expect. I know Commander Waddle and his family are deeply aggrieved by this tragic accident, and feel deeply for the families of those who lost their lives.”
But no -- even in the face of unfair and inflammatory headlines and rumors casting doubt upon his integrity & performance -- only silence. Is it any wonder that mid-level officers are bailing out of the service at an extraordinary rate. Who would want the challenge of increasing responsibility when unexpected and sometimes unavoidable events will result in being hung-out-to-dry, in spite of their best efforts. Sadly, nowadays, political correctness or fear seems to preclude any support from up the chain of command.
As a 28 year Naval Officer myself, I’m truly sad that no matter the result of the investigation -- even if he’s totally exonerated -- it’s likely Commander Waddle’s years of exemplary leadership and many contributions to the readiness of our submarine forces will receive little account. And all the Admiral’s and Talking Head’s prophecy of his career being over will be self fulfilled. That will not only compound the tragedy of the Greeneville-Ehime Maru, but also further undermine the concepts of trust and loyalty within our Navy.
Gerald Coffee Captain, US Navy (Ret.) |
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