»Navy chief takes girlfriend on submarine and proposes«
The former chief of the Navy has been accused of proposing to his girlfriend after a romantic night aboard a submarine.
On the night of June 23, 2017, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan proposed to his girlfriend Samantha Heighway when they were aboard the HMAS Waller.
Mr. Noonan, who is now retired, had allowed Ms. Heighway permission to join him on the vessel that was sailing off the coast of Western Australia.
Photos from the event depict the couple wearing camouflage pants and life jackets while posing on top of a Collins-class submarine.
On June 23 of last year, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan proposed to his girlfriend Samantha Heighway when they were spending the night aboard HMAS Waller.
Ms. Heighway’s Instagram account included adoring photos of the couple on the cruise.
Mr. Noonan sported a navy blazer, whereas his soon-to-be-wife dressed a dark woolen beanie.
One of the images was shared to Ms. Heighway’s Instagram account, depicting the couple sharing a passionate kiss.
Mr. Noonan is seen with his back to the camera as he embraces his fiancee, who proudly displays her new engagement ring to the photographer.
The Department of Defense acknowledged that Mr. Noonan’s choice to bring his companion on board while the submarine was at sea filming for Defense Force Recruiting was “not routine.”
Mr. Noonan retired from the military in September 2022 after 38 years of service.
The Department of Defense described Mr. Noonan’s choice to bring his companion on board while the submarine was at sea filming for Defense Force Recruiting as “not routine.”
A representative for the Department of Defense stated, “Mr. Noonan reportedly proposed to his girlfriend during the voyage.”
While their romantic excursion did not violate any regulations, the spokesman noted that “it is not typical for members of the Defense Department to take a civilian partner, spouse, or relative on an overnight sea ride.”
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond succeeded Mr. Noonan as navy head five days later in an unrelated action.
Former digger and Coalition defense spokesman Phillip Thompson criticized the proposal, arguing that it demonstrates a double standard between the levels of the army.
‘If it had been an enlisted person of the lowest level, they would be in serious problems for bringing someone onto military equipment or a base,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
I believe a double standard exists.
The change, according to Mr. Thompson, has also placed members of the Navy in a difficult situation.
Former digger and Coalition defense spokesman Phillip Thompson criticized the concept (centre)
He argued that the plan was erroneous by stating, “The Navy is very professional and skilled at their job.”
Mr. Thompson stated that a procedure must be implemented for all workers.
‘Military equipment is not anyone’s personal equipment, and it is certainly not the navy chief’s love sub,’ he continued.
I believe there should be a procedure in place for when a member of your branch of the armed forces violates best practices or the intended purpose of the equipment.
Mr. Noonan will leave the Defense Department in September 2022 after 38 years of service.
Mr. Noonan had granted permission for his future bride to board the submarine.
After a stellar career that included coalition anti-terrorism operations and attendance at the Royal Australian Naval College in 1984, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Navy in 2016 and Chief of the Navy two years later.
Ms. Heighway at the time complimented him on his profession in a Facebook post.
‘Michael Noonan… Congratulations on your service to our country, your unselfish leadership, and your ability to inspire future generations to serve selflessly in defense of our nation.
It would be an understatement to say that I admire and am truly inspired by Michael Noonan.
»Navy chief takes girlfriend on submarine and proposes«