Commander Richardson has been relegated to a desk job after he loses his submarine to a Japanese destroyer in World War II. Harboring an unyielding desire for vindication, Richardson manages to secure a new command over the USS Nerka, displacing the ship's popular executive officer, Jim Bledsoe. Tension mounts as Bledsoe and the crew doubt Richardson's leadership and motives, suspecting him of being obsessed with revenge rather than focused on their safety. Despite their concerns, Richardson imposes strict and unconventional drills designed to sharpen their underwater stealth capabilities, all while concealing his true intentions.

As the submarine ventures into the perilous waters of the Pacific, Richardson's obsession with the Japanese destroyer that sank his previous vessel puts him and his crew in increasingly dangerous situations. Trust between the officers starts to fray as they confront not only external threats but also internal discord. The crew must grapple with their faith in Richardson’s command against their instinct for survival amid escalating confrontations with enemy ships. Richardson's relentless pursuit of his adversary leads them into one hazardous encounter after another, testing their skills and resolve to their absolute limits.