The quarterdeck on the USS Sterett was traditionally located amidships on both the starboard and port side. This area was used while in port as the departure and arrive location of anyone leaving or reporting aboard the ship. Sterett's quarterdeck was the place where the brow to the pier was placed when pier-side or the accommodation ladder was rigged while anchored out.
In port, the quarterdeck was manned by an OOD (Officer of the Deck) the POOW (Petty Officer of the Watch) and a Messenger. The OOD was either a Chief Petty officer or a junior officer. The POOW was and enlisted man E-3 to E-6. The messenger was usually a non-rated seaman E1 or E-2 who was basically a "go-fer". Located on the quarterdeck was usually a podium, the deck log and the phone and communication station. The POOW was responsible for making the appropriate log entries that were approved by the OOD on watch. The quarterdeck watch was responsible for "passing the word" via the ship's announcing system (the 1-MC), ringing the proper bells, rendering proper honors to visitors and the captain when they arrived or departed the ship and for ensuring that morning and evening colors were properly observed. Conduct of the many naval traditions and etiquette were the quarterdeck watch's responsibility. The security of the ship was also in the hands of the quarterdeck watch. They controlled access to the ship and had the final say on who came and went across the quarterdeck. The quarterdeck was always armed and authorized to use force to ensure the ship's safety.
Each person, regardless of rank, as they came aboard the ship at the quarterdeck was required to ask permission to come aboard. They would first salute the national ensign, then the OOD and then ask permission to come aboard. Upon departing the ship this process was reversed. Personnel reporting aboard the ship for the first time had their orders verified by the quarterdeck watch and were then logged in on the deck log. The same went for departing personnel.
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