Ex-Navy boss Michael Noonan slammed for proposing to girlfriend on military ... trends now
The ex-chief of the Navy has been called out for whisking his girlfriend away for a romantic night on a submarine to ask her to marry him.
Then-Vice Admiral Michael Noonan got down on one knee to pop the question to his partner Samantha Heighway, while they were on board the HMAS Waller overnight on June 23 last year.
Mr Noonan, now retired, had granted approval for Ms Heighway to join him on the vessel which was travelling off the coast of Western Australia.
Romantic snaps from the occasion show the couple standing on top of the Collins class submarine dressed in military clothing, with camouflage pants and life jackets around their necks.
Then-Vice Admiral Michael Noonan got down on one knee to pop the question to his partner Samantha Heighway, while they were on board the HMAS Waller overnight on June 23 last year
Loved up snaps of the pair on board the vessel were shared to Ms Heighway's Instagram
Mr Noonan wore his naval jacket while his soon-to-be wife donned a dark, woollen beanie.
The pictures were posted to Ms Heighway's Instagram account, with one snap showing the loved up pair sharing a kiss.
In another picture, Mr Noonan has his back to the camera as he hugs his fiance who proudly shows off her new engagement ring to the photographer.
While the submarine was at sea to film for Defence Force Recruiting, the Department of Defence admitted Mr Noonan's decision to bring his partner on board was 'not routine'.
Mr Noonan retired from Defence in September 2022 after 38 years in the force
While the submarine was at sea to film for Defence Force Recruiting, the Department of Defence described Mr Noonan's decision to bring his partner on board as 'not routine'
'Defence is advised that Mr Noonan proposed marriage to his partner during the sea ride,' a spokesperson said.
While their romantic getaway didn't break any
