The ex-chief of the Navy has been referred to as out for whisking his girlfriend away for a romantic night time on a submarine to ask her to marry him.
Then-Vice Admiral Michael Noonan obtained down on one knee to pop the query to his companion Samantha Heighway, whereas they have been on board the HMAS Waller in a single day on June 23 final yr.
Mr Noonan, now retired, had granted approval for Ms Heighway to affix him on the vessel which was travelling off the coast of Western Australia.
Romantic snaps from the event present the couple standing on prime of the Collins class submarine wearing navy clothes, with camouflage pants and life jackets round their necks.
Then-Vice Admiral Michael Noonan obtained down on one knee to pop the query to his companion Samantha Heighway, whereas they have been on board the HMAS Waller in a single day on June 23 final yr
Liked up snaps of the pair on board the vessel have been shared to Ms Heighway’s Instagram
Mr Noonan wore his naval jacket whereas his soon-to-be spouse donned a darkish, woollen beanie.
The images have been posted to Ms Heighway’s Instagram account, with one snap exhibiting the liked up pair sharing a kiss.
In one other image, Mr Noonan has his again to the digicam as he hugs his fiance who proudly exhibits off her new engagement ring to the photographer.
Whereas the submarine was at sea to movie for Defence Pressure Recruiting, the Division of Defence admitted Mr Noonan’s choice to convey his companion on board was ‘not routine’.
Mr Noonan retired from Defence in September 2022 after 38 years within the pressure
Whereas the submarine was at sea to movie for Defence Pressure Recruiting, the Division of Defence described Mr Noonan’s choice to convey his companion on board as ‘not routine’
‘Defence is suggested that Mr Noonan proposed marriage to his companion throughout the sea journey,’ a spokesperson mentioned.
Whereas their romantic getaway did not break any guidelines, the spokesperson added ‘it isn’t routine for Defence members to take a civilian companion, partner (or) relative on an in a single day sea journey’.
In an unrelated transfer, Mr Noonan was changed as navy chief 5 days later by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.
The proposal was slammed by former digger and Coalition defence spokesman Phillip Thompson who argued it was proof of a double customary that exists between these of assorted ranks within the pressure.
‘If it had been an enlisted soldier within the lowest rank, they’d undoubtedly be in hassle for (bringing) somebody on to a navy tools or base and they might be reprimanded,’ he instructed Day by day Mail Australia.
‘I believe there’s a double customary.’
Mr Thompson mentioned the transfer had additionally left members of the Navy in an ‘awkward place’.
The proposal was slammed by former digger and Coalition defence spokesman Phillip Thompson (centre)
‘The Navy could be very skilled and are superb at their job,’ he mentioned, arguing that he didn’t imagine the proposal was proper.
Mr Thompson mentioned a course of wanted to be put in place to use to all personnel.
‘Army tools is not anybody’s private tools, it is undoubtedly not the chief of navy’s love sub,’ he added.
‘I believe there must be a course of for when an individual in your department of defence pressure does one thing that’s not in keeping with its finest follow or for what the tools is used for.’
Mr Noonan retired from Defence in September 2022 after 38 years within the pressure.
Mr Noonan had granted approval for his now-fiance to return on board the submarine
He attended Royal Australian Naval Faculty in 1984 and after a distinguished profession that included coalition anti-terrorism operations, was appointed Deputy Chief of Navy in 2016, then Chief of the Navy two years later.
Ms Heighway congratulated him on his profession in a Fb publish on the time.
‘Michael Noonan… congratulations in your service to our county, your selfless management and on inspiring the following generations that may selflessly serve to guard our nation.
‘So to say, this individual, Michael Noonan, I like and am truely impressed by can be an understatement.’
Day by day Mail Australia has sought remark from Mr Noonan.
