Roberts finds Doc at the end of the sick call line, depressed because he feels unneeded. Roberts gets Pulver to fake an appendix attack. Doc examines Pulver and decides to operate. The crew is making book on the outcome while Roberts tries to convince Doc that a sedated Pulver was faking.

Mr. Roberts orders a reduction gear installed for the Reluctant which will give it the speed it needs to allow it to join a convoy headed to combat. The new part causes some damage which at first is misinterpreted as being hit by the enemy. The gun crew directed by Ensign Pulver shoots down their radio tower while firing at a zero. This limits the Reluctant to receiving messages. Morton is ready to court martial Roberts until he hears a radio message that the Reluctant is presumed lost after taking a hit from a Japanese sub. The convoy was able to sink the sub and Morton and the Reluctant are considered heroes for leading it away from the convoy.

A Japanese pilot helps the crew when they get stuck in the middle of the ocean.

The Captain asks for Roberts' help in creating a cover story to cover-up the fact that the crew screwed up a mission.