1 definition by William A. Nicholas (Wild Bill)

United States Naval slang terminology which describes those sailors in the fleet who work on the ship and who maintain the ship and it's spaces that relate primarily to the Traditional Navy such as the Anchor Room (Foc'sle), gangways, ceremonial spaces, main decks, flight decks and top decks for small boys (little ships) and big boys (Large Ships). The duty of the Naval Deck Ape is often demanding, difficult and sometimes grueling compared to most work standards. Deck Apes are a very proud sort of Naval Personnel that work hard, play hard and love the traditional naval standards to which they uphold.
Navy Botswain's Mates in Deck Administration-!st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Divisions (Work on all ships and ceremonial points of the Navy)

Navy Aviation Botswain's Mates in Air Department- V1, V2, V3, V4 and VX Divisions on Board Naval Flat Top Vessels only (Mainly work at Airstations and onboard Aircraft Carriers, etc.)

"The Deck Apes scurried on the flight deck during Flight Operations."
Get the Deck Ape mug.