In Omaha, Seaman White's wife is about to give birth, but White's stuck aboard ship in San Diego. O'Toole is sure he can have leave papers issued for White immediately - since Commander Stoner is ashore, and can't get in the way.

Chief Nelson informs that there's trouble ahead: Seaman Jerome J. Johnson has been assigned to the Appleby - and he's the most renowned bad-luck omen in the Navy.