Navy sailors were ordered to "applaud as if we were in a striptease club & # 39; for the arrival of Pence

The ship's information officer confirmed to CNN that comments had been made prior to the arrival of Pence aboard the Truman in Norfolk, Virginia, and characterized the statement as "inappropriate".

"We can confirm that this statement was made by USS commander Harry S. Truman's commanders to Truman seamen, prior to the arrival of the vice president," said Cmdr. Laura Stegherr said in a statement.

"This statement was inappropriate and Truman's leaders are addressing this issue," she said.

Pence visited the ship on Tuesday and made remarks to officers and crew members.