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US Navy opposes sub court-martial

If followed, the recommendation would mean that Commander Scott Waddle would be "out of the Navy, but at least he won't be in jail", an unnamed Navy source told the Reuters news agency.

A Navy panel of three admirals investigated the accident in collaboration with a Japanese naval observer, delivering a 2,000-page report to Pacific Fleet Commander Thomas Fargo on Friday.

Admiral Fargo has 30 days to act on the recommendations in the report, and is expected to move quickly.

Damaged relations

The collision between the Greeneville and the Japanese training vessel Ehime Maru caused a rupture in the delicate relations between Japan and the United States, which has a large military presence in Japan.

Reports on Friday speculating that Commander Waddle might escape court-martial sparked denunciations from family members of people killed in the accident.

But Commander Waddle's acceptance of guilt and reputation as a model officer until the accident may have worked in his favour.

In an interview with Time magazine on Sunday, the officer said he would "give his life" to bring back even one of the people killed in the collision.

"I am not tired of apologising," he said, interviewed at home in Hawaii. "But I am tired of crying."

The Navy panel will apparently recommend that he face moderate punishment such as a letter of reprimand, which would effectively end his naval career and would reduce his retirement benefits.

The officer's lawyer said Commander Waddle intends to retire as soon as the judicial procedure is over.

Two other Greeneville officers were investigated in connection with the collision, but are not considered likely to face severe punishment if their commanding officer does not.