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By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Late in the afternoon yesterday, the second day of the court
of inquiry, Cmdr. Scott Waddle and his wife, Jill, walk out
of the building where the court is being held.

Calif. group sets up
Waddle legal fund

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By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-Bulletin

Skipper's command style Greeneville condolences Skipper's defense fund

When Cmdr. Scott Waddle and the crew of the submarine USS Greeneville visited Santa Barbara, Calif., for a week last year, they made quite an impression.

"He made a strong impression with all of us with his dynamic personality," said Connie Los, president of the Navy League's 700-member Santa Barbara Council.

Los said she and others last week began the Cmdr. Scott Waddle Defense Fund to help pay for his legal fees. "This is just a way that a lot of us in Santa Barbara feel we can reach out and support Commander Waddle," she said.

Los said the contributions are coming not just from Santa Barbara, but from as far away as Texas, Connecticut and Virginia.

"He's certainly charismatic and has tremendous leadership skills," Los said. "He has a level of professionalism that's just incredible. He just leaves you with the strength of his leadership."

The embattled sub skipper began facing a Navy court of inquiry Monday that is investigating how the Greeneville sank the Japanese student fishing boat Ehime Maru on Feb. 9.

Los said she and others were devastated when they first heard of the incident.

"It was just such a horrific, horrible accident," she said. "No matter how you look at it, you can't change it. It's just the end of an incredible officer's career and the unfortunate loss of so many lives."

Los said the trust account was set up about a week ago, but she has been in Virginia the past week, so she does not know how much has been collected.

No goal was set, she said, although she is confident enough can be collected to pay Waddle's personal fees.

Charles Gittins is a civilian attorney representing Waddle. The skipper also has two military counsels, Cmdr. Jennifer S. Harold and Lt. Cmdr. Kimberlie Young.

"We just want to see that Scott gets treated fairly and represented well," Los said.

Those wishing to contribute to the fund may send checks to the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 40660, Santa Barbara, Calif., 93140-0660.