Radarman Second Class Zack Martin wants nothing more than to sail out to sea on a sleek destroyer now that the war in Vietnam is heating up. Instead of heading to the Western Pacific, he's stuck in a deadend clerical position. When he's ordered to join a new ship, it's not quite what he envisioned, but his attitude changes when he learns he'll finally be getting duty in a combat zone.
Although Martin craves danger and excitement-and a chance to help the war effort in Vietnam-this mission may have more perils than he bargained for. The captain, in charge of a ship for the first time, is anxious to make a name for himself. Misadventures in port pale into comparison with the risks the captain is willing to take when he deviates from the crew's mission. Will his gamble pay off or will he put the entire ship into danger?