Don’t Go Near the Water

Lieutenant Siegel and a public relations unit are stationed far from the fighting. Commander Nash refuses to allow transfers, keeping Siegel in place. Siegel spends days entertaining war correspondents and meeting with Congressmen around the island to shape public perception of the war.

Siegel spots Melora Alba, a local schoolteacher, and the two begin a romance against the odds. Their bond grows stronger as they share conversations and moments amid the island’s tensions. The relationship becomes a central emotional thread for Siegel.

Siegel and Melora fall in love, but their future is uncertain. He wants to move to New York City to advance his career, while she believes she is needed on the island. They eventually break up over this difference in priorities.

Adam Garrett, Siegel's yeoman, falls for Navy nurse Alice Tomlen, who is an officer. This breach of Navy regulations leads Siegel to help by pretending to date Alice so Garrett can spend time with her. The ruse tests loyalty and complicates unit dynamics.

Nash discovers the Garrett–Tomlen romance and realizes it violates regulations. Siegel suggests a fitting punishment: transferring Garrett to a fighting unit, a move Garrett actually desires to advance his career.

With Army headlines hogging attention, Nash devises a morale-boosting tour featuring an ordinary sailor. He selects Farragut Jones for the assignment, hoping to lift national spirits. The plan hinges on a relatable, everyday hero.

Farragut Jones turns out to be foul-mouthed and heavily tattooed, not the type Nash expected. Siegel is tasked with smoothing out Jones’s rough edges and keeping the tour on message. The attempt runs with limited success.

Siegel is assigned to escort war correspondent Deborah Aldrich who finagles her way aboard a heavy cruiser bound for a combat operation. The arrangement draws stern disapproval from Admiral Junius Boatwright. The situation strains naval protocol and press access.

Admiral Boatwright voices strong disapproval of Deborah Aldrich’s presence on the mission and questions the navy’s handling of press access. The conflict underscores the tension between journalism and military operations. Siegel navigates the controversy while keeping the mission on track.

As the fighting ends, Siegel realizes he cannot live without Melora and resolves to stay on the island. The end of the war intensifies his decision, shifting his priorities toward personal happiness over career advancement. The island becomes home in his mind.

Siegel wrestles with whether to pursue a New York career or stay with Melora on the island. The choice reflects a shift from ambition to commitment to personal life. The decision seals his new path after the war.

Ultimately, Siegel remains on the island with Melora, embracing a life rooted in relationships and community rather than rapid career ascent. The film closes on a hopeful note about quieter, personal victories. The morale and press-hype world recedes as love takes center stage.