Collision Course - 123

During war games between Greece and the US, Capt James Merrick came out of fog, closed on the Greek Gelibolu to shoot, just as it turned into them. Not able to avoid collision they rammed leaving 7 dead and 2 missing. The SECNAV, again acting like ass, circumvented Harm (H) and Mac's (M)investigation then lied to them that the other countries were also charging their captains and demanded Chegwidden (C) prosecute personally. C appointed H and M to defend and called the XO to testify against Merrick who seemed to be determined to fall on his sword. A third ship, Turkish, were claiming the Greek ship was in their waters (an uninhabited rock). An 8 minute "pissing" contest ensued then the Turks tried to ram the Greek ship; who was then caused to turn into the US ship. H and M impeach Greek and Turk captains for their own dereliction on the stand. But Merrick wouldn't let H impeach his XO claiming that it would ruin his career. Instead, he told H to get a "plea."

C found that the SECNAV had lied to him and stood up to him saying that he thought "you would look out for your people." So C told H that his plea was "unacceptable" in a sort of "code" that they should press forward. H & M then continued their investigation and discovered that Gelibolu had radar troubles prior to the games so the games should have been postponed or cancelled. However, Adm Picato (the exercise commander) colluded with the Greeks to continue before the end of the fiscal year. H put that information in a damaging report and they all delivered it to the SECNAV who realized that it would embarrass the UN. He threw it in the garbage and gave Merrick the chance to retire. Adm Picato was charged ("just as long as it's not the Greeks or Turks").

Mikey (Mk) visited Bud (B) and met Gunny's (G)sister Valerie. Mk took her on a date to Gs dismay and they were out all night. Singer (S), in sort of comic relief this episode, was stuck with extra work as long as H & M were out. When G intercepted a phone message for Valerie he headed straight for Mk but S headed him off pointing out that Valerie and Mk were "not in the same league." Tiner complimented her for her kindness and she threw it back at him saying that "as long as the Hatfield's and McCoy's are feuding she had more work." Mk thought he was in love but Valerie showed up with her boyfriend which G disliked even more. G told Mk that Valerie never listened to him and always did the opposite so he would tell her that he hated Mk "every chance he got."