Early in the 19th century, USS ''Constitution'' is launched as part of an effort to stop piracy in the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, a young man determined to go to sea (Farrell) is befriended by the bos'n (Beery) of the merchant ship ''Esther'', and he joins her crew. When ''Esther'' reaches the Mediterranean, she too, along with ''Constitution'', becomes involved in the battle against the pirates.