The series is set in the
Pacific theater of
World War II and centers on the crew of the USS
Kiwi, a leaky, wooden, twin-masted
schooner whose mission is to carry out covert missions behind
Japanese lines. Her old-fashioned,
noncombatant appearance works in her favor, and she sails under false colors (the
Swiss flag) when in enemy waters. The
Kiwi is jointly commanded by
United States Army Major Simon Butcher (
Jack Warden), who is in charge of shore operations, and
United States Navy Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard "Rip" Riddle (
Gary Collins), who is in command of the vessel at sea. The crew consists of: •
Mike Kellin:
Chief Petty Officer Willie Miller (also in the 1960 film, and listed in the series opening credits) •
Mark Slade:
Radioman Third Class Patrick Hollis •
Fred Smoot:
Machinist Mate Third Class Seymour Trivers •
Rudy Solari:
Gunner's Mate Second Class Sherman Nagurski •
Don Penny:
Pharmacist Mate Third Class Charles Tyler, ship's cook On the
pilot episode
Shakedown and
The Stowaway, the crew featured one extra member, Seaman First Class Roger D. Finch played by stuntman Phil Adams who had also played a crew member in the original film. ==Notable guest stars==