The Right Thing

"The Right Thing" tells us the behind-the-scenes story of how Commander Waddle was left adrift at sea by the Navy in the aftermath of the tragedy with little direction, support or even adequate legal representation. Despite it all (guilt over the loss of life, the pain of being relieved of command, the intense pressure and expense of mounting a legal campaign to save his own life, being at the center of an international incident and media firestorm, and disappointment over the actions/inaction of the Navy he loved and served for 24 years)Commander Waddle took full responsibility for the accident and the performance of his crew. He even took the witness stand at great peril and against the strong advice of is lawyers. His requests to officially apologize after the incident were unheeded, and yet he felt compelled to personally apologize to the Japanese Government and to the families of the victims themselves. The irony here is that his actions after the event actually upheld the honor of the Navy and the United States, despite their treatment of him.

The testimony given in the Inquiry gives us the startling facts of what really happened and who actually had the information that could have avoided the accident.

I was inspired by this book. I was inspired by Commander Waddle's faith, determination and character. Ten chapters in I could not put it down and read until the early hours to finish.


Moving and thought provoking   January 30, 2003
Michael Stark (Portland, Oregon)
20 out of 26 found this review helpful

Scott Waddle's story of his role as the commanding officer of the USS GREENEVILLE is inspiring as well as a unique opportunity to learn more about this christian man.

The story takes the reader onboard and discusses the horror, emotional termoil and distress this man shouldered following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 9 japanese civilians.

It is a book that describes what I would consider a modern day role model for our youth.

The book is published by a christian book company and contains several passages that discuss how Scott's faith was tested.

Read, learn, think about it and see if there are parallels in your life. There are many events in our lives that cause us to doubt our ability to survive the crisis. This is an inspirational man's story on how he, through his faith, family and friends survived.

Well written and well done.


True to our tradition   January 28, 2003
19 out of 25 found this review helpful

Apart from the distinguished military career and service to our nation, Scott Waddle has given all of us a reminder of what it means to be a leader in the world's finest Navy.

His openly contrite and genuine approach to dealing with the Ehime-Maru tragedy and the devasted Japanese families speaks volumens about the value and tradition of our Navy.

One good thing that has come out of the tragic accident is the reaffirmation of the special friendship that exists between the U.S. and Japan. It is remarkable to see how the two peoples have come together to heal the wounds and turn this ordeal into a new beginning.

Well done!


Faith and retribution   February 3, 2003
Michael Stark (Portland, Oregon)
11 out of 14 found this review helpful

CDR Waddle's personal account of his journey through fire brings those of us who have never experienced personal and public tragedy the unique opportunity to witness the event through the eyes of the man who was at the center of it all.

Well written, thoughtful and compelling issues are bound to help those in need of help who are experiencing crisis in their lives.

Leaders and managers can learn from the successes and the shortcomings of this christian man.

An excellent read.


The Right Thing   February 4, 2003
Margaret Courtney (Santa Clara, California)
11 out of 14 found this review helpful

I was extremely happy with this book read it in one seating as I found it very compelling and could not put it down. I had followed Cmdr. Waddles case through the media and of course television reviews. I was favorably impressed with Scott Waddle at the time and his wife and attorney in interviews. But I was especially glad to read the Cdr.s explanation of the accident without some of the distoration of the meia. After reading this book you realize how badly at times his case was handled by the Navy and that they lost a very brillant young officer when Scott retired. Our loss and the Navy's. This is a well written acount of what actually took place an honest account, and certainly well worth reading!