Awkward moment a group of scantily clad dancers with berets twerk and gyrate in front of stunned military top brass at launch of a new $2BILLION navy ship HMAS Supply in Sydney
- A group of scantily clad women twerking has launched a new Navy ship
- The ceremony was attended by the Governor-General and head of Navy
- A Liberal backbencher and former soldier called the dance ‘inappropriate’
A group of stunned officials didn’t know where to look as a group of scantily clad dancers twerked toward them during celebrations to mark the official launch of a new $2billion navy ship.
The commissioning of the HMAS Supply in Woolloomooloo, Sydney was attended by Navy top brass including chief Michael Joseph Noonan and the Governor-General David Hurley.
Defence Force chief Angus Campbell was also part of the audience.
But the risqué dance moves marking the ship’s launch were not enjoyed by everyone.
A Liberal MP slammed the decision to commission the unusual dance, and the choice of entertainment was met with bewilderment on social media.
New Navy ship HMAS Supply has been launched by a group of scantily clad women twerking (pictured) in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo
Governor-General David Hurley (pictured, front in glasses) sat front and centre of the ceremony
Videos from the event show seven women doing a choregraphed routine while dressed in black booty shorts and red crop tops and berets.
Former soldier and Liberal MP Phillip Thompson told the ABC the entertainment was inappropriate for the occasion, which took place on Saturday.
‘Standards in the ADF, and definitely when commissioning a ship, should be a little bit higher than that,’ he said.
‘We’ve got the CDF, we’ve got members of Parliament there, and the Governor-General’s there, I don’t think it’s appropriate to be twerking.’
It is unknown whether the entertainers were paid by the Navy.
The $HMAS Supply ship’s company stand on the upper decks at the completion of her commissioning ceremony (pictured on Saturday)
The launch was attended by officials including the Governor-General and the head of the Navy
Some commenters on social media agreed the dance move was too suggestive for an official government event.
‘Doesn’t matter who the girls are, this is not appropriate,’ one person said.
‘At a time when we are promoting the rights of women to not be objectified, there are other dance moves that would be fun and equally energetic.’
Other commenters found the incident ‘bizarre.’
‘I would flat out not believe you if the HMAS Supply banner wasn’t visible in the background. This is… too strange,’ said one.
‘It’s an interpretive dance, telling the story of how the Navy has no budget to put on proper entertainment for this ship launch after spending all their money on submarines,’ another joked.
Defence said the dance was arranged as an effort to ‘engage with the local community’
The Governor-General David Hurley (pictured) is seen arriving on Saturday at the ceremony for the new $2billion boat
A defence spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the dance was arranged to engage with the local community and preceded the formal part of the ceremony.
‘HMAS Supply and the Royal Australian Navy are committed to working with Australians from all backgrounds in actively supporting local charities and community groups,’ they said.
‘The dance was performed prior to the commencement of the Commissioning formalities and prior to the arrival of His Excellency the Governor General, Chief of Navy and Commander Australian Fleet.’
The HMAS Supply’s key role is to provide support to naval combat units. The vessel will now undergo testing.
What will the HMAS Supply will be used for?
HMAS Supply is the lead ship of two Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships currently being built for the Royal Australian Navy by Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia.
The Australian Supply Class ships are based on the Spanish Navy’s Cantabria Class design.
The ships are intended to carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support for the deployed naval or combat forces operating far from the port on the high seas for longer periods.
In addition to replenishment, the vessels can be used to combat against environmental pollution at sea, provide logistics support for the armed forces, and to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations following a natural disaster.
Source: Australian Navy
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