Ex-Navy chief criticised for using a military submarine ride to propose

Australia’s former Navy chief has been criticised for using a military submarine as his personal “love sub” after taking his girlfriend on an overnight ride and proposing to her.

Australia’s former Navy chief has been criticised for using a military submarine as his personal “love sub” after taking his girlfriend on an overnight ride and proposing to her.

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan used his senior position as then-chief of Navy to grant his partner Samantha Heighway approval to board the HMAS Waller on June 23 last year, in a move described by the Department of Defence as “not routine”.

Defence was later advised Mr Noonan proposed marriage to his partner during the sea ride.

It can be exclusively revealed the lovebirds spent the night on the Collins class submarine, which was at sea to film material for Defence Force Recruiting near Geraldton in Western Australia at the time.

Defence said Mr Noonan had personally “approved the sea ride,” and confirmed while it did not break any rules, civilians were not commonly invited on such trips.

Former Navy chief Michael Noonan proposed to his girlfriend Samantha Heighway on HMAS Waller, a Collins class submarine. Picture: Instagram

The overnight sea ride, approved by Mr Noonan, was described by Defence as “not routine”. Picture: Instagram

“It is not routine for Defence members to take a civilian partner, spouse (or) relative on an overnight sea ride,” a spokeswoman said.

No official imagery was taken of the sea ride, but Defence was “aware personal photographs were taken during the visit”.

Former chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan and his fiance Samantha Heighway got engaged on HMAS Waller in June 2022. Picture: Facebook

Mr Noonan and Ms Heighway were in WA on a Defence-funded trip for a memorial service when the last minute submarine ride was approved.

But Defence said the visit on the submarine did not incur any extra cost to the taxpayer due as the vessel was “already at sea”.

Five days after the trip, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced Mr Noonan would be replaced by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as chief of Navy.

It is understood the decision predated, and did not relate to, the submarine marriage proposal.

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan at Anzac Day Dawn Service

The proposal, which took place on a Collins Class submarine, has been criticised as unprofessional.

Asked about the incident, a spokeswoman for Mr Marles said “the highest level of standards are expected from all Defence personnel, especially those in command positions”.

The proposal voyage has stunned members of the military community, with Coalition assistant defence spokesman Phil Thompson calling it an “abuse of power”.

“The Navy is a professional outfit, this isn’t the chief of Navy’s personal love sub,” he said.

“He had the unilateral power to approve the (civilian trip) and that leaves all the sailors in a very uncomfortable position because the most senior person in their branch is the one doing the questionable thing.”

Mr Thompson said the behaviour was “unbecoming of any person in a leadership position”.

“What processes are being put in place by the Australian Defence Force since this has come to light to ensure this abuse of power doesn’t happen again,” he said.

“There are proper time when civilians can go on military equipment or bases, but this circumstance is not one of them in my opinion.”

Mr Noonan retired from Defence in September last year, with Ms Heighway congratulating him for his 38 years of service in a post on Facebook.

“Congratulations on your service to our country, your selfless leadership and on inspiring the next generations that will selflessly serve to protect our country,” she said.

Mr Noonan was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.