Connotr Fitzgerald returns to the Navy after ten years. He discovers there is a drug problem aboard ship and he suspecks there is someone selling weapons. Several sailors overdose. One friend is caught selling drugs, placed in the brig on bread and water is discovered dead. According to the investigation his friend cut his own throat.. Connor is accused of selling drugs and is offerd an Article 32, Military grand jury. The story is from the point of view of Connor, the protaganist. Other main characters are the Catholic Chaplain, and the Marine Gunnery Sergeant.