Teh One Who Knocks
11-08-2013, 12:09 PM
DAVID WROE - Stuff.co.nz
http://i.imgur.com/Fqf9xLJ.jpg
An Australian navy frigate used to intercept and rescue asylum-seeker vessels to Australia's north is at the centre of a military investigation into bizarre hazing rituals carried out on young sailors.
It is understood that about a dozen sailors, mostly men, participated in the bastardisation acts in which sailors were smacked and anally penetrated with pens and other objects on their birthdays.
The practices, which have infuriated top navy officials, were carried out on HMAS Ballarat, a frigate used in Operation Resolute border protection operations. It is understood the vessel was involved in a rescue operation on Thursday.
It will arrive at Christmas Island on Friday, where military police from the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service will start their inquiry.
It is learnt that both men and women were involved, either as perpetrators or observers, but the victims were all young men. The objects used are believed to have included pens and bottles.
Navy chief Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs is among those who have taken a strong stance against sexual and other offences in the ADF, and is said to be furious about the alleged rituals. The involvement of the ADF investigative service indicates the rituals could constitute criminal assaults.
While the Defence Force has not yet confirmed the nature of the acts, Admiral Griggs released a statement on Wednesday praising the sailor who reported the practices through the chain of command.
''I applaud any member of the navy who has the courage to raise concerns like these and I encourage anyone who is aware of, or who experiences, unacceptable behaviour to do the same,'' he said.
''The alleged behaviours are simply not consistent with navy values. Navy does not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and will act accordingly if any of the allegations are substantiated.''
http://i.imgur.com/Fqf9xLJ.jpg
An Australian navy frigate used to intercept and rescue asylum-seeker vessels to Australia's north is at the centre of a military investigation into bizarre hazing rituals carried out on young sailors.
It is understood that about a dozen sailors, mostly men, participated in the bastardisation acts in which sailors were smacked and anally penetrated with pens and other objects on their birthdays.
The practices, which have infuriated top navy officials, were carried out on HMAS Ballarat, a frigate used in Operation Resolute border protection operations. It is understood the vessel was involved in a rescue operation on Thursday.
It will arrive at Christmas Island on Friday, where military police from the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service will start their inquiry.
It is learnt that both men and women were involved, either as perpetrators or observers, but the victims were all young men. The objects used are believed to have included pens and bottles.
Navy chief Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs is among those who have taken a strong stance against sexual and other offences in the ADF, and is said to be furious about the alleged rituals. The involvement of the ADF investigative service indicates the rituals could constitute criminal assaults.
While the Defence Force has not yet confirmed the nature of the acts, Admiral Griggs released a statement on Wednesday praising the sailor who reported the practices through the chain of command.
''I applaud any member of the navy who has the courage to raise concerns like these and I encourage anyone who is aware of, or who experiences, unacceptable behaviour to do the same,'' he said.
''The alleged behaviours are simply not consistent with navy values. Navy does not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and will act accordingly if any of the allegations are substantiated.''