Admiral Hornsby orders Commander Stoner to encourage men on the USS Applebee to re-enlist. Ensign O'Toole, the ship's executive officer, convinces Commander Stoner that a warm, friendly smile is the best way to convince the men to stay on the USS Applebee even though it is contrary to the commander's nature. Naturally, the enlisted men are bewildered and suspicious of the commander's sudden, new attitude, which forces him to double his efforts.