What is the history of the US Navy ship Quarterdeck?

Answer 1

Quoted from....'Naval Terms and Customs' There is evidence that the marked respect paid the quarterdeck aboard ship today had its origin many hundreds of years ago. In the days of Greek and Roman sea power, obeisances were made to the pagan altar, which was placed aft. Later the same respect was paid the shrines of the Virgin similarly located. Still later the "King's colors," which were a symbol of church and state combined, became the object of respect. One is impressed with the thought that the quarterdeck has always been the honored part of the ship. It retains its "sanctity" today. (The name poop deck derives from the Latin word puppis, a name given the sacred deck where the pupi or doll images of the deities were placed. JWC, LT, USN

Answer 2

The quarterdeck is the area of entry and exit from a vessel or shore station. It is typically manned by the Officer of the Watch, supported by couple of enlisted personnel.