内容描述苏联发生政变时,叛变者控制了一个核子飞弹基地,威胁要攻击美国。美国政府急命阿拉巴马号核子潜艇准备反攻,但就在是否要下达攻击令的关键时刻,潜艇的通讯系统发生故障,无法判断攻击令的真伪。哈克曼饰演的潜艇指挥官决定发射,但新来的副官华盛顿却认为事关重大,应确定讯息再说,不惜为此发动兵变囚禁上司。When some Russian rebels takes control of some ICBM's, the Americans mobilize. Among the vessels sent is the nuclear sub, the Alabama. But before they leave they need a new X.O. and among the choices is Commander Hunter, who hasn't seen much action. But the ship's Captain, Ramsey OK's him. While on the way, there was an incident and Hunter disagreed with how Ramsey handled it, it's evident that Ramsey doesn't think much of Hunter because Hunter was college educated while Ramsey worked his way up. They're given orders to attack but when they were in the process of receiving another order, the ship's communications were damaged, so the entire message was not received. Ramsey decides to continue with their previous order while Hunter wants to reestablish contact first. That's when the two men butt heads that ends with Hunter relieving Ramsey. Later when some men die, some of the officers feel that Hunter is not up to the task so they team up to retake control. But Hunter has taken precautions.