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Quarterdeck

The quarterdeck is the raised stern portion of a ship's upper deck, typically extending from the mainmast aft to the poop deck or stern, and historically serving as the command station for the captain and officers during voyages.^[1] This area, often elevated for better visibility and protection, covers approximately one-quarter of the ship's length, hence its name, and was a key feature in sailing vessels from the 17th century onward.^[2] In naval tradition, the quarterdeck held profound ceremonial and symbolic importance, functioning as a space for official rituals and honors.^[3] It was considered the heart of naval authority, with strict protocols such as saluting when entering or leaving to enforce respect for hierarchy.^[4] Architecturally, the quarterdeck provided tactical advantages by housing the helm and allowing officers to oversee operations while elevated for visibility; it was often shielded from weather and featured ornate galleries for light and ventilation in the captain's cabins.^[5]^[6] Over time, as naval technology evolved from sail to steam and modern warships, the quarterdeck's physical prominence diminished on many vessels, particularly those with full-length weather decks or flight operations aft.^[7] Nonetheless, its cultural legacy endures in contemporary navies, where it designates the entry point for dignitaries, the site for boarding ceremonies, and a symbolic zone of command on bases or ships in port—exemplified by the U.S. Navy's use of quarterdecks for security control points and official receptions.^[8] This enduring role underscores the quarterdeck's transition from a structural element to an emblem of naval discipline and tradition.^[9]

Definition and Overview

Etymology and Basic Concept

The term "quarterdeck" originates from the English naval lexicon, combining "quarter," which denotes the rear or stern section of a vessel—specifically the aftermost quarter of its length—and "deck," referring to a horizontal platform or floor within the ship's structure. This nomenclature first emerged in the early 17th century, with the earliest recorded use dating to 1622 in the writings of English naval officer Richard Hawkins, describing a partial deck extending forward from the stern.^[10]^[2] The designation reflects the quarterdeck's original extent, which covered approximately one-quarter of the ship's length from the aft end, distinguishing it as a specialized area above the main hull.^[11]^[12] At its core, the quarterdeck constitutes the raised portion of a ship's upper deck situated at the stern, serving as an elevated platform primarily reserved for officers, command activities, and official proceedings. This positioning at the vessel's rear—known as the stern, the rearmost part opposite the bow—provided strategic oversight and separation from the working areas forward. Unlike the forecastle, a raised forward deck often used by enlisted crew for lookout duties, the quarterdeck emphasized hierarchy and exclusivity in naval operations.^[13]^[1]^[7] To grasp the quarterdeck's role, it is essential to understand basic ship deck layering and stern configuration in sailing vessels. Decks are stacked horizontally within a ship's hull, with the upper deck forming the highest continuous level spanning from bow to stern, exposed to the weather and supporting masts, rigging, and superstructure. Below it lies the gun deck in warships, a lower level dedicated to mounting cannons for broadside fire, while deeper layers like the orlop deck handle storage and berthing. In traditional sailing ships, the stern's rounded or squared design accommodated the quarterdeck's elevation, often integrating with the poop deck above for enhanced visibility and protection from forward seas.^[14] This arrangement underscored the quarterdeck's function as a command nexus, briefly underscoring its ceremonial significance in naval protocols.^[9]

Physical Characteristics in Naval Design

The quarterdeck in naval design typically consists of a raised platform located at the stern of the vessel, positioned behind the main mast on sailing ships and serving as an elevated extension of the upper deck. This structure often incorporates a poop deck above it for additional height and enclosure, providing a vantage point for command operations, and is enclosed by bulwarks or railings to offer protection against waves and falls. The length of the quarterdeck generally spans one-quarter to one-third of the ship's overall deck length, allowing sufficient space for essential functions while maintaining structural balance.^[15]^[16] Variations in quarterdeck design occur across ship classes, with warships featuring higher elevations and more ornate elements such as brass fittings and protective awnings to enhance visibility and prestige, in contrast to the utilitarian configurations on merchant vessels that prioritize simplicity and cargo efficiency. These differences reflect the tactical demands of combat vessels versus the economic focus of commercial ones.^[16]^[17] Historically, quarterdeck construction on wooden ships employed oak planking, typically 2 inches thick, laid over oak beams measuring about 7.2 inches fore-and-aft by 4.8 inches deep, spaced 24-28 inches apart, with elm strings for support to ensure durability against marine conditions. In modern metal-hulled vessels, the design evolves to steel grating for the deck surface, promoting drainage, reducing weight, and improving stability through open frameworks that allow water to pass through while maintaining non-slip traction. This shift supports the quarterdeck's role in officer oversight of deck activities.^[18]^[19]

Historical Development

Origins in Age of Sail

The quarterdeck emerged in European navies during the 16th century as sailing ships transitioned from earlier designs like the carrack to more specialized warships such as galleons, providing an elevated stern platform that offered captains a superior vantage point for command during battles obscured by gun smoke. This raised structure, inherited from the high stern castles of carracks, was narrower than the main deck to accommodate the ship's tumblehome hull lines, enhancing stability while allowing for better visibility over the deck and rigging. In galleons, the quarterdeck's considerable height above the waterline served as a battle platform for officers and marksmen, integrating seamlessly with the overall design to support transoceanic voyages and combat maneuvers. Key developments in the quarterdeck's design included the integration of steering mechanisms and the captain's cabin directly below, centralizing control at the stern. By the mid-16th century, the whipstaff—a vertical lever extending from the tiller up through the deck—enabled helmsmen to operate from the quarterdeck alongside the captain, allowing for coordinated adjustments amid the chaos of sail handling and gunfire.^[20] The cabin beneath provided private quarters for the commanding officer, often fitted with access ladders to the deck above, reflecting the growing emphasis on hierarchical command in naval architecture.^[20] This layout facilitated the adoption of broadside tactics, where ships maneuvered to present their full gun batteries; the quarterdeck mounted stern chaser guns, long-barreled pieces to harass pursuing vessels without exposing the vulnerable broadside.^[21] A notable example of the quarterdeck's significance is seen in HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where the structure featured protective splinter netting rigged overhead to shield officers from falling debris and two 12-pounder carronades as stern chasers, alongside signal halyards for fleet communications.^[22] From this elevated position, Admiral Nelson directed operations, hoisting the famous signal "England expects that every man will do his duty" via flags on the mizzen mast before being mortally wounded by musket fire while pacing the deck. The quarterdeck's design thus underscored its dual role as a tactical hub and vulnerable command post in line-of-battle engagements.^[20]

Evolution Through Steam and Modern Eras

The transition to steam propulsion in the 19th century marked a pivotal evolution in quarterdeck design, as naval architects adapted traditional raised structures to integrate with emerging mechanical systems. Early steamships often retained a poop deck extending from the forecastle to the quarterdeck, echoing sailing vessel layouts, but high bulwarks that trapped water and caused flooding of lower state-rooms were replaced with open rails and netting for improved drainage and safety.^[23] To accommodate tall funnels for exhaust and the introduction of double-tiered bridge structures spanning sturdy stanchions, quarterdeck heights were adjusted, allowing better visibility for command while positioning the captain's station near steering gear and propulsion elements.^[23] In ironclad warships, such as those developed during the American Civil War, protective iron plating was applied to the hull and key areas to shield command functions from artillery fire, representing a fundamental shift from vulnerable wooden designs to armored steam-powered vessels.^[24] The 20th century brought further transformations driven by specialized warship types, where the quarterdeck's role diminished in favor of operational priorities. On aircraft carriers, evolving from World War I conversions to purpose-built vessels, traditional stern structures were integrated into flight decks that optimized aircraft operations, with limited stern space retained for boarding and access. Submarines, constrained by hydrodynamic needs for submerged efficiency, featured minimal or purely symbolic quarterdecks—often small platforms aft of the sail or conning tower—prioritizing stealth and internal operations over exposed deck space. These adaptations reflected broader naval priorities of speed, aviation integration, and underwater warfare, reducing the quarterdeck's prominence from its sailing-era centrality. Following World War II, quarterdeck design trended toward practicality and durability, emphasizing integration with advanced materials and reduced ceremonial emphasis to support high-intensity operations. Composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers, were increasingly adopted for upper structures, offering corrosion resistance, lighter weight, and lower maintenance compared to steel.^[25] The USS Enterprise (CVN-65), commissioned in 1961 as the U.S. Navy's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, illustrated this era with its 1,123-foot flight deck, while prioritizing nuclear propulsion and aviation capabilities over ornate traditional features.^[26]

Ceremonial and Symbolic Role

Protocols and Traditions

One of the fundamental protocols associated with the quarterdeck is the salute upon boarding a naval vessel, performed by bringing the right hand to the head as a gesture of respect to the ship and its ensign.^[27] This tradition, rooted in historical customs of uncovering or touching the forelock, requires personnel to halt at the quarterdeck, face the stern, and execute the salute before proceeding.^[28] The national ensign and commissioning pennant are positioned at the stern staff on the quarterdeck, reinforcing its symbolic role in these rites.^[29] Key traditions include the ceremonial reception of dignitaries through "piping the side," where a boatswain's mate sounds the call on a pipe to signal the visitor's arrival, accompanied by sideboys forming ranks on the quarterdeck.^[30] The sideboys, dressed in ceremonial attire, salute in unison as the visitor ascends to the deck, with their number determined by rank—two for officers of O-4 and below, four for O-5 and O-6, six for O-7 and O-8, and eight for O-9 and above.^[30] This practice, originating from age-of-sail assistance in boarding, emphasizes honor and formality.^[30] The quarterdeck also serves as the venue for inspections and divine services, where strict etiquette governs conduct to maintain reverence, such as standing at attention and avoiding disruptions.^[28] Historically, it has been linked to solemn observances like "crossing the bar," a phrase denoting the death of a captain, drawn from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem and used in naval announcements to symbolize the transition from life to the afterlife.^[31] In both the Royal Navy and U.S. Navy, personnel wear prescribed uniform headgear and perform hand salutes upon entering the quarterdeck to signify respect for authority.^[32]^[33] These protocols collectively preserve the quarterdeck's status as a hallowed space for symbolic acts of deference and commemoration.^[3]

Role in Shipboard Hierarchy

In naval tradition, the quarterdeck served as a restricted area primarily reserved for commissioned officers and midshipmen, with enlisted personnel granted access only for assigned duties or with explicit permission from a superior officer. This exclusivity reinforced the ship's command structure, positioning the quarterdeck as the captain's domain for key decision-making, navigation oversight, and strategic consultations. Historical regulations, such as those in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, limited the number of quarterdeck boys and midshipmen to maintain this hierarchy, ensuring that only those in training for officer roles could occupy the space regularly.^[34] Similarly, U.S. Navy practices from the early 19th century mandated the continuous presence of at least one commissioned officer on the quarterdeck to uphold authority and operational control.^[35] The elevated physical position of the quarterdeck symbolically underscored the vertical nature of shipboard command, providing officers with visibility over the crew and reinforcing the captain's omnipresent oversight. This design facilitated clear lines of communication and authority, allowing the captain to issue orders directly from a vantage point that symbolized their supreme position in the hierarchy. Historically, marine detachments enforced this symbolic order by posting sentries on the quarterdeck, serving as both ceremonial guards and practical enforcers of access restrictions, a role that dated back to the Age of Sail and emphasized the separation between officers and the lower deck.^[36] These marine guards not only deterred unauthorized entry but also maintained discipline through their armed presence during routine operations. The quarterdeck's role extended to the enforcement of naval discipline, often serving as the site for reprimands and minor proceedings like courts-martial, from which the captain oversaw punishments such as flogging or confinement carried out on the main deck below. For severe infractions like mutiny, executions were conducted by hanging at the yardarm to serve as public deterrents, underscoring the hierarchy enforced from the quarterdeck.^[37]^[38] This practice integrated the quarterdeck into the broader naval culture of vertical authority, where discipline was visibly tied to rank and command visibility.

Operational and Practical Uses

Daily Functions on Ships

In sailing ships of the Age of Sail, the quarterdeck functioned as the elevated stern platform where the helm was positioned, enabling the officer of the watch to direct steering operations and monitor visual signals for navigation and fleet maneuvers.^[39] This central location facilitated routine command oversight during daily voyages, with watch personnel adjusting sails and course based on compass readings from the nearby binnacle.^[39] In modern U.S. Navy vessels, the quarterdeck serves as the primary topside control point for operational access and security, where watchstanders manage personnel movements, log entries and exits, and coordinate routine ship-to-shore activities such as mail delivery and boat operations.^[40] The Petty Officer of the Watch (POOW) supervises these duties, ensuring continuous monitoring by a team including the Officer of the Deck (OOD), Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW), and sentries, typically in four-hour shifts to maintain ship readiness without interruption.^[40] The quarterdeck incorporates practical storage solutions for essential operational tools, including communication devices, visitor logs, and select emergency gear, allowing watch personnel to respond promptly to routine needs or alerts.^[40] Maintenance tasks on the quarterdeck form a core part of daily shipboard routines, with the POOW responsible for inspecting and preserving accoutrements, cleaning surfaces, and conducting rigging checks to uphold operational standards.^[40] In historical contexts, crew performed regular painting and holystoning (scrubbing with sandstone) on the quarterdeck to prevent corrosion from saltwater exposure and maintain footing during wet conditions.^[41] The quarterdeck integrates with shipboard communication systems to support efficient operations; in older vessels, voice tubes connected the area to lower decks for relaying helm orders and signals, while modern setups employ sound-powered telephones, radios, and the 1MC announcing system for coordinating watches and alerts.^[42]^[40] Safety features on the quarterdeck prioritize hazard prevention and emergency response, including non-slip (nonskid) coatings on deck surfaces to reduce slipping risks during movement or heavy weather, and strategically placed lifebuoy stations for immediate access in man-overboard scenarios.^[43]^[40] Watch personnel enforce these measures, reporting violations and requiring safety gear like life jackets during rough seas.^[40]

Adaptations in Modern Navies

In modern naval vessels, the quarterdeck has evolved to serve as the primary security and reception hub, particularly on littoral combat ships (LCS) where it facilitates VIP arrivals and boarding operations through designated gangway access points. This area is staffed continuously by watch personnel to manage visitor screening and ceremonial protocols, ensuring compliance with shipboard security standards.^[44] Integration with the ship's Combat Information Center (CIC) occurs primarily through communication systems like the 20MC general announcing circuit, which relays tactical updates and alerts directly to the quarterdeck for real-time coordination during in-port operations. Digital displays for log entries and security monitoring may supplement traditional deck logs, enhancing operational efficiency in 21st-century environments.^[45]^[40] Global variations reflect national priorities; NATO member navies emphasize standardized quarterdeck protocols for interoperability, such as uniform boarding procedures and communication handshakes during joint exercises to facilitate seamless multinational operations.^[46] Challenges in contemporary designs include enhancing weatherproofing and threat resilience on exposed quarterdecks, with innovations like reinforced enclosures to counter drone incursions and integrated cyber-secure networks to protect access control systems from digital vulnerabilities.^[40]

Quarterdeck in Scouting

Integration in Sea Scouts

The quarterdeck concept was adopted in the Sea Scouts program of the Boy Scouts of America (now Scouting America) upon its founding in 1912, as a means to simulate naval traditions in youth nautical training.^[47] This integration involves designating a specific area on scout vessels or creating mock setups known as "landships" for meetings, leadership exercises, and advancement ceremonies, thereby replicating shipboard environments even on land.^[48] The primary purpose of the quarterdeck in Sea Scouts is to instill nautical discipline and promote teamwork among youth members, mirroring historical naval practices while adapting them to a scouting context.^[48] It serves as a focal point for officer-led governance, where youth practice self-directed planning and execution of ship activities under adult oversight.^[48] Participation in quarterdeck functions is required for achieving ranks such as Ordinary and Able Sea Scout, including completion of dedicated quarterdeck training to prepare members for officer roles.^[48] Key elements of these quarterdecks include the placement of flags for ceremonial protocols and bells for timekeeping and signaling, which reinforce respect for maritime customs during gatherings and drills.^[48] These setups emphasize reverence akin to naval quarterdecks, where the Boatswain and elected officers preside over formal proceedings.^[48]

Training Programs and Events

The National Quarterdeck serves as Sea Scouts BSA's premier youth-led leadership initiative, comprising a team of selected high-achieving Sea Scouts who guide the national program for a one-year term from June 1 to May 31.^[49] For example, applications for the 2025–2026 term opened in March 2025; selections were announced on May 9, 2025, at the BSA National Annual Meeting, with Abigail “Abbey” H. of Hampstead, North Carolina, serving as National Boatswain and Lilith “Lily” E. of Cypress, Texas, as National Boatswain Elect.^[50]^[51]^[52] These youth leaders contribute to program development by communicating with regional support teams, establishing council-level Quarterdecks, assisting in national event planning, and creating resources like training materials to enhance leadership across local ships.^[50] As of November 2025, the 2025–2026 National Quarterdeck, led by National Boatswain Abigail “Abbey” H., continues to support program development, including releasing a youth recruitment video on November 17, 2025.^[53] Through this structure, participants gain advanced experience in collaborative decision-making and program oversight, often drawing on simulated ship environments to practice nautical protocols during national gatherings.^[54] At the local ship level, quarterdeck programs emphasize hands-on training in seamanship and leadership, beginning with structured sessions like the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships (ILSS), a foundational course that covers team dynamics, planning, and communication tailored to nautical contexts.^[48] These are supplemented by regular quarterdeck drills focused on essential skills such as muster formations, watchstanding rotations, and close-order nautical maneuvers, which build discipline and operational readiness within the ship's simulated deck setup.^[48] Advancement ceremonies further integrate the quarterdeck as a ceremonial focal point, where new members or rank achievers are formally "piped aboard" using the bosun's call to honor traditions and reinforce hierarchy.^[48] Monthly quarterdeck meetings, attended by ship officers and adult leaders, facilitate program evaluation and scheduling, ensuring these events align with broader seamanship objectives.^[55] Participation in quarterdeck programs directly supports Sea Scouts' rank progression and long-term career preparation, instilling practical nautical competencies alongside leadership acumen. For instance, achieving the Ordinary rank requires completing quarterdeck training, strengthening ship membership through event coordination, and demonstrating seamanship basics like safety protocols and basic piloting.^[56] Higher advancements, such as Quartermaster, build on this by mandating sustained quarterdeck responsibilities, including leading drills, ceremonies, and multi-day cruises, which equip scouts with skills transferable to maritime professions like naval service or commercial boating. Overall, these initiatives foster a pathway from Apprentice-level introductions to expert-level command roles, with alumni often crediting the experience for entry into real-world nautical fields.^[57]

References

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QUARTERDECK Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com
Nautical. the part of a weather deck that runs aft from the midship area or the mainmast to the stern or poop of a vessel.
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Quarter-deck - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating in the 1620s from "quarter," the term means a smaller deck on a ship between the poop and main-mast, covering about a quarter of the vessel.
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Jan 5, 2021 · ... Navy ship, the quarterdeck area still has a special ceremonial significance. Different peoples and cultures shaped the religious ceremonies ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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The quarter deck is the upper deck aft of the superstructure or, on ships with flightdecks, aft of the flight deck area.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
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As aboard an actual warship, the Quarterdeck of the Museum is the reception area for visitors. It houses a signature sculpture titled the "Spirit of Naval ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
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1. the after part of the upper deck of a ship, usually reserved for officers 2. US Navy the part of the upper deck of a ship reserved for official ceremonies.
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OED's earliest evidence for quarterdeck is from 1622, in the writing of Richard Hawkins, naval officer. quarterdeck is formed within English, by compounding.
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The term was originally (in the early 17th century) used for a smaller deck situated above the half-deck, covering about a quarter of the vessel.Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
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1. The stern area of a ship's upper deck. 2. A part of a deck on a naval vessel set aside by the captain for ceremonial and official use.
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QUARTER THE QUARTERDECK The built-up parts, bow and stern ... It is said that the quarter-deck originally extended for one quarter of the vessel's length.
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The design of the stem above water was often highly ornate. The stern generally rose in a graceful curve, and was also lavishly ornamented. Fig. 18 gives ...
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[PDF] CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES
Gradually, the act of taking off one's cap was simplified into merely touching the cap or, if uncovered, the head (forelock), and finally into the present form ...
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A 21-gun salute shall be fired by a ship or station to the flag or standard of the president, sovereign or member of a reigning royal family under the ...
[30]
None
### Summary of Piping the Side, Sideboys, and Quarterdeck Ceremonies
[31]
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"Crossing the Bar" is a term used in the Royal Navy to inform of a person's death, derived from a poem about crossing the "sandbar" between life and death.
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With heads uncovered to show respect for the law, the ship's company heard read the Article of War the offender had contravened. The prisoner was then ...
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All ranks salute the Quarterdeck when they come on to it. In modern ships the. Quarterdeck is not always at the stern of the ship. SECTION 9 - JOINT SERVICE ...
[34]
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Helm commands were given by of- ficers standing on the quarterdeck, who conned the ship from a position where they could see the workings of the ship and where ...
[35]
None
Below is a merged summary of the quarterdeck information from OPNAVINST 3120.32D, consolidating all details from the provided segments into a comprehensive response. To maximize density and clarity, I’ve organized the information into a table format where applicable, followed by narrative summaries for aspects that don’t fit neatly into a table. All unique details from each segment are retained, with redundancies minimized.
[36]
[PDF] Parts Of A Pirate Ship
Located towards the stern, the quarterdeck was where the captain and officers directed the ship. It was slightly elevated for better visibility and often ...
[37]
[PDF] Daily Routine at Sea on American Warships in the Age of Sail
The excitement of battle occurred very rarely indeed; it was the constant rounds of ship maintenance, sail trimming, ... quarterdeck, where they lined up ...
[38]
[PDF] internal communications - GlobalSecurity.org
Voice tubes provide an important means of internal communications, although they are normally used only as a standby measure. This system is merely a network of ...
[39]
[PDF] SURFACE PRESERVATION
Nonslip (nonskid paint) deck coverings contain pumice, which provides a better footing. To clean a nonskid painted deck, use a cleaning solution of detergent ...Missing: quarterdeck | Show results with:quarterdeck
[40]
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[41]
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[PDF] COMMUNICATIONS
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[43]
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Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) - NAVAIR
EMALS is the Navy's newest complete carrier-based launch system designed for USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers.
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[PDF] CVN 78 Gerald R. Ford-Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier - DOT&E
Feb 4, 2025 · The Ford-class also incorporates a larger and more efficient flight deck layout with additional aircraft fueling stations, along with.Missing: quarterdeck | Show results with:quarterdeck
[46]
History - Sea Scouts BSA
1912- Sea Scouting in America was founded when Arthur A. Carey of Waltham, Massachusetts, had Sea Scouts using the schooner Pioneer and was appointed Chairman ...Missing: quarterdeck adoption
[47]
[PDF] manual - Sea Scouts BSA
Feb 18, 2025 · ○ Keep minutes of quarterdeck and ship meetings. ○ Remind officers ... larger and have storage capacity for camping gear. They are ...
[48]
End of Term 2023-2024 National Quarterdeck Message
May 31, 2024 · The National Quarterdeck (NQD) is Sea Scouts, BSA's youth leadership team. The National Quarterdeck serves a term from June 1 – May 31 of the following year.
[49]
2025-2026 National Quarterdeck Application Process Now Open
Mar 7, 2025 · It's time to apply to be a National Boatswain, National Boatswain Elect, and members of the National Quarterdeck for the 2025-2026 term.
[50]
Apply to be a National Quarterdeck Officer! - Sea Scouts BSA
Jan 16, 2024 · It's time to apply to be a National Quarterdeck Officer for the 2024-2025 term – taking office at BSA's National Annual Meeting for a one-year term starting ...
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Quarterdeck Meeting Plan - Sea Scouts BSA
Jun 13, 2015 · Monthly quarterdeck meetings are held by the officers of the ship. The Skipper and other adult officers attend this meeting.Missing: ceremonies | Show results with:ceremonies
[52]
Ordinary - Sea Scouts BSA
Oct 5, 2024 · Successful candidates will participate in strengthening ship membership, serve as an event chair, complete quarterdeck training, pass the ...Missing: piping | Show results with:piping
[53]
Advancement Central - Sea Scouts BSA
Successful candidates will participate in strengthening ship membership, serve as an event chair, complete quarterdeck training, pass the Swimming merit ...Ordinary · Apprentice · QuartermasterMissing: adoption | Show results with:adoption