Legendary insult comic Don Rickles stars as the viciously vile U.S. Navy CPO (Chief Petty Officer) Otto Sharkey. His greatest weapon is his tongue, wielding a barrage of insults overseeing Company 144- an ethnically-diverse group of seamen recruits at a San Diego naval base. Behind his harsh demeanor, Sharkey genuinely cares for his men and often goes to great lengths to help them. The sitcom ran for 37 episodes over two seasons on NBC from 1976-78.
The series starts with CPO Sharkey reenlisting after 24 years in the Navy- "his life". He reminisces about "the good ole days" with his captain (James T. Callahan), and then Chief Robinson (Harrison Page). Chief Robinson informs Sharkey that the Navy is breaking a long-standing tradition by allowing women to serve on some ships. Sharkey lambasts the idea and says he refuses to serve with a woman. He gives orientation to new, rough-around-the-edges recruits. Afterward, the captain informs Sharkey that he is leaving and introduces his new commanding officer, a woman- Capt. Quinlan (Elizabeth Allen). Sharkey vows to leave, but a heart-to-heart with a homesick recruit leaves him finding his own feelings.
