When Binghamton learns that all Chief Petty Officers are to be shipped out, he talks all the guys into taking the exam for CPO, then fixes the results to see that all of them pass. Now without a Crew, the 73 is to be scrapped, and McHale and Parker are to be reassigned. But a very determined Ensign Parker takes it upon himself to keep the 73 in business.

After learning that his stateside employer has closed down, Binghamton lands a job as an insurance salesman, under the condition that he sell life insurance policies to the 73 Crew. But The Captain's high-pressure sales tactics prompt McHale and the guys to work up a plan to get back at him.

Binghamton pressures a young new member of the 73 Crew into spying on McHale and the guys, to try to gather evidence of any shady activities. But The Captain's plan is foiled by another new member of the crew, who proves to be not only very intelligent, but an excellent Sailor, as well.