"Operation: Birthday" is underway on the USS Appleby but it appears destined for failure. O'Toole and the crew - broke as usual - want to get Chief Nelson a present - But the Chief is the only man on board with a bankroll.

St. John has lost the money that commander Stoner gave him to pay for a diplomatic party. O'Toole agrees to arrange the party for free - and his plan includes borrowing food from other ships in the fleet and asking Chief Nelson to prepare the "wine."

Grumbling stomachs lead to a grumbling crew on the USS Appleby as the chow from Charlie the cook gets worse and worse. O'Toole is puzzled, for Charlie was once known as a superior sea going chef.