Harm takes a temporary assignment at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland, near Washington, DC. There he defends an old friend and fellow pilot against a charge of improper fraternization. While seeking evidence in that case, Harm finds something else, which leads to a major problem dealing with national security. He also faces serious questions about his professional behavior. Meanwhile Mac represents a woman Naval officer in a custody contest in a case involving an allegation of physical abuse. Mac also takes a civilian lawyer to the deck in a JAG office. Written by DocRushing

While a team of Marines aboard a helicopter gunship has a task to protect a relief convoy during a UN peacekeeping program, the Marine captain in charge exceeds the written rules of engagement by directing the pilot to land and his team to seek to capture the leader of a group of rebel combatants. Six of the Marines then die in an ambush. Sturgis prosecutes the captain for dereliction of duty and negligent homicide. Harm and Bud defend him, who says that he has followed an oral suggestion from his colonel. Harm ruffles the feathers of Bobbi by issuing a subpoena for her and by calling her to the stand. Meanwhile Mac investigates a case of an unlikely high-tech peeping tom. Written by DocRushing

An EP-3 Orion aircraft of the US Navy conducts electronic reconnaissance of a warship (a cruiser) of the People's Republic of China in international waters in the Straits of Taiwan. Two Chinese MiGs buzz the Orion, and one of them collides with it and damages it. The Orion makes an emergency landing at a Chinese military airfield. The SecNav recalls RAdm. Tom Boone to active duty, then Tom and Harm go to China to try to reclaim the crew and the bird. They get the people and head back, and one of their escort pilots acts on an entirely different plan of his own. Meanwhile Gunny requests a transfer to Force Recon, and Mac, Sturgis, and Bud deal with two midshipmen from the US Naval Academy who duel each other while using antique sabers. Written by DocRushing

The Christmas season has arrived, as has much activity. Two Marine MPs arrest a Navy woman petty officer who impersonates Santa Claus and steals money given to charity; Loren prosecutes, and Harm defends. The preliminary hearing is postponed until after Christmas, but the Navy has closed the empty brig, so Harm takes the defendant in his custody. The defendant stays with Mac, and she learns from several, including Chloe, who visits with Mac. Harm finishes rebuilding his Corvette, then it disappears again and soon reappears. Mikey receives word of his appointment to the US Naval Academy. Everyone gathers at the Roberts pad before going to the Christmas Eve worship at the chapel, where Sturgis's father, a retired Navy chaplain, not only preaches but hits the spot. Harm and Mac share a very friendly moment below the mistletoe, and Webb arranges for a huge surprise for Harm. Written by DocRushing

Everyone has returned from the tribunal at sea in the previous episode. Capt. Sebring, a military judge, stands accused of vehicular homicide, allegedly as a result of an instance of road rage. The other driver is a single mother whose baby dies. Mac and Sturgis prosecute, Harm defends, and the admiral appears as a witness. The defendant hurts his case by his behavior in the courtroom due to problems at home with his wife and their son. Harm eventually discovers the real cause of the wreck. Meanwhile Webb continues to pursue a leader among the terrorists of Al Qaeda, and Loren continues to promote trouble between Bud and Harriet, who try hard to sort things out. Written by DocRushing