An American submarine commanded by Captain Faversham (Jim Bannon) is under orders to proceed to Korea via the Sea of Japan. After they pick up an intelligence officer, Clayton Shepherd (Ross Hunter), they learn that Japan has been defeated, and that their prize passenger carries information which will prevent the bombing of the shiup "Missouri" during the surrender signing. While attempting to reach their destination, the sub (out of torpedos) is attacked by a rogue-led suicide carrier and, in desperation, the captain orders the sub to ram the carrier.