A gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps stands accused of fatally shooting his wife. Mac prosecutes, and Harm defends. The defendant does not fully cooperate with Harm, but Harm eventually figures it out, and justice prevails. Both Bud and his father have difficulty with Bud's condition, but each of them starts to straighten out. Loren prepares for her transfer to her next duty station in the Arabian Sea. Sergei returns to Russia, and Loren gives him a ride to an airport. The President accepts the resignation of the SecNav. Written by DocRushing

A senator asks the new SecNav to obtain a declassification of the story of the loss of a nuclear submarine on a CIA operation in 1968 -- so that the families can finally learn about the loss of their loved ones. The senator is the daughter of the skipper of the boat. The SecNav turns to the JAG, who appoints a quiet and classified court of inquiry. Harm, Mac, and Sturgis serve as counsel to the court. Due to the extremely high classification of the mission, much wrangling takes place between the CIA and the Navy. However, a surprise piece of evidence leads Harm to the explanation of the resistance within the CIA. A satisfactory compromise comes about, the families learn, and Webb gets a new assignment to a nothing job in a nowhere place. Bud and Harriet together reach a high point in his rehab. Written by DocRushing

RAdm. Chegwidden diverts Harm to Naples, Italy, on his way back from Seahawk (in the Arabian Sea), and he sends Tracy there also to join him - to find a serial killer who an Interpol officer believes to be aboard a certain US destroyer. Four prostitutes have died in Mediterranean liberty ports under bizarre circumstances. Criminal profiling works well; however, after Harm and Tracy first search unsuccessfully in the obvious direction, then they suddenly by surprise find the offender, who does indeed fit the predicted profile. Tracy fluently converses with an Italian inspector in his own language, and she tells him that her father came from Milan. Meanwhile Sturgis works with Bud, and Harriet tries to work with Loren, who has decided to get an abortion. Written by DocRushing

Bud and Harriet hold a dinner party on Christmas Eve in their new house for the JAG gang. Everyone encounters delays or difficulties along the way. Harm and RAdm. Boone lose one ride but rescue a lost aircraft (hauling Toys for Tots), a young Marine couple lose a home but gain a lifetime blessing, RAdm. Chegwidden delivers another baby in his office, three visitors from the East present valuable gifts, a new Naval aviator receives his wings, and Bud and Harriet get bad news and then good news from Santa Claus. PO Coates joins for duty and for dinner. The catered dinner comes from an unexpected source, who remains for the party. Everything eventually works out. Bud invokes, God bless us every one, then all agree and exchange, Merry Christmas. Written by DocRushing

The 16-year-old daughter of a Marine general dies during surgery. The general demands an explanation, and he does so with zeal and forcefulness. Harm and Mac investigate the circumstances. During a hearing it becomes known that the behavior of the general has improperly influenced the testimony of a witness. That in turn requires the general to face a charge of unlawful command influence. Harm prosecutes, and Mac defends. However, Mac finds the real cause of the death, and justice prevails. Bud becomes frustrated with his duties back in the office until he encounters a challenging and interesting claim for disability. Loren changes her mind, Harm confronts her, and Renee sends an announcement. Bud receives a welcome letter. Written by DocRushing

A Navy lieutenant ostensibly blows a whistle on an allegedly defective high-tech combat system. Mac helps him to resign and to get out of his remaining active-duty obligation. However, she discovers his sabotage of the system and his theft of the source code, which he then delivers to his new prearranged civilian employer, who gives him a lucrative high-end job in the electronic-gaming industry. Harm and Mac learn more about the lieutenant and his service, and they present him with a major surprise, including another change in his career plan. Meanwhile Harm and Sturgis receive more awards, and Harm by accident meets a little old lady and her shyster. Written by DocRushing