Ex-Navy boss Michael Noonan slammed for proposing to girlfriend on military submarine

The former Navy chief has come under fire for taking his girlfriend on a romantic night in a submarine to ask her to marry him.

Then-Vice Admiral Michael Noonan got down on one knee to ask his partner Samantha Heighway the question while aboard HMAS Waller on the night of June 23 last year.

Mr Noonan, now retired, had given his approval for Ms Heighway to join him on the ship sailing off the coast of Western Australia.

Romantic snaps of the occasion show the couple standing on top of the Collins-class submarine dressed in military gear, complete with camouflage pants and life jackets around their necks.

Beloved snaps of the couple on board the ship were shared on Ms Heighway’s Instagram.

Mr. Noonan wore his navy jacket, while his bride-to-be donned a dark knit cap.

The images were posted on Ms Heighway’s Instagram account, with one of them showing the loving couple sharing a kiss.

In another image, Mr. Noonan has his back to the camera as he hugs his fiancée, who proudly shows off her new engagement ring to the photographer.

While the submarine was at sea to film for Defense Forces Recruit, the Department of Defense admitted that Mr. Noonan’s decision to bring his partner on board was “not routine.”

Mr. Noonan retired from Defense in September 2022 after 38 years on the force.

While the sub was at sea to film for Defense Forces Recruit, the Department of Defense described Mr. Noonan’s decision to bring his partner on board as “non-routine.”

“The defense is informed that Mr Noonan proposed to his partner during the promenade,” a spokesman said.

While their romantic getaway didn’t break any rules, the spokesperson added that “it’s not routine for Defense members to take a civilian partner, spouse (or) relative on an evening boardwalk.”

In a move unrelated to the indiscretion, Noonan was succeeded as navy chief five days later by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.

The proposal was criticized by former digger and Coalition defense spokesman Phillip Thompson, who argued that it was evidence of double standards among those of various ranks in the force.

“If I had been a lower rank enlisted soldier, I would definitely be in trouble for (taking) someone to a military team or base and would be reprimanded,” he told Daily Mail Australia.

“I think there is a double standard.”

Thompson said the move had also left members of the Navy in an “uncomfortable position”, learning about something that “didn’t look right” months after it happened.

The proposal was criticized by former Digger and Coalition defense spokesman Phillip Thompson (centre), who called it an “abuse of power” and called double standards among those of lower rank.

“The Navy is very professional and is very good at its job,” he said. “And the leader of the Navy has done something that is not right and can be frowned upon.”

Thompson said a process needed to be put in place to prevent further incidents from occurring.

“Military equipment is not anyone’s personal equipment, definitely not the navy chief’s love submarine,” he added.

“I think there needs to be a process for when the most senior person in your branch of the defense force does something that’s not in line with their best practices or what the equipment is used for.”

Mr. Noonan retired from Defense in September 2022 after 38 years on the force.

Mr. Noonan had given his approval for his now fiancée to come aboard the submarine.

He attended the Royal Australian Naval College in 1984 and after a distinguished career that included coalition counter-terrorism operations, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the Navy in 2016, then Chief of the Navy two years later.

Ms Heighway congratulated him on his career in a Facebook post at the time.

‘Michael Noonan… congratulations on your service to our county, your selfless leadership and for inspiring the next generations to selflessly serve to protect our country.

“If you will, this person, Michael Noonan, who I adore and am truly inspired by would be an understatement.”

Daily Mail Australia has sought comment from Mr Noonan.