Ex-Navy chief Michael Noonan used the HMAS Waller submarine to propose to his girlfriend: ‘love submarine’

The former Australian Navy chief has been slammed for treating a military ship as his “personal love sub” after proposing to his girlfriend during an overnight trip.

Then-Vice Admiral Michael Noonan approved Samantha Heighway to board HMAS Waller on 23 June 2022, where they spent a romantic night at sea together off the coast of Western Australia.

He used his authority as Chief of the Navy to allow Ms. Heighway, a civilian, to travel aboard the Collins-class submarine, during which the couple took personal photographs.

Former Australian Navy chief Michael Noonan has been slammed for treating a military ship as his “personal love sub” after proposing to girlfriend Samantha Heighway during an overnight trip (pictured together).

Then-Vice Admiral Michael Noonan approved Samantha Heighway to board HMAS Waller on 23 June 2022, where they spent the night together at sea off the coast of Western Australia. Pictured is an Australian Collins-class submarine

Mr Noonan is understood to have dropped to one knee during the controversial trip and asked for Ms Heighway’s hand in marriage.

The warboat was at sea at the time as part of a public relations exercise to collect footage of Defense Force recruitment.

Coalition defense spokesman Phillip Thompson called the incident an “abuse of power” and “indecent” for any leader.

“The Navy is a professional outfit, this is not the personal love sub of the chief of the Navy,” Mr Thompson told the Daily Telegraph.

Mr Noonan is understood to have dropped to one knee during the controversial trip and asked for Ms Heighway’s hand in marriage. Coalition defense spokesman Phillip Thompson described the incident as an “abuse of power”.

“He had the unilateral authority to authorize the (civil voyage) and that puts all seafarers in a very uncomfortable position because the most senior person in their line of work is the one doing the questionable thing.”

Although the voyage is not believed to have broken any rules, civilians are not normally allowed aboard naval vessels.

“It is not common for defense personnel to take a civilian partner, spouse (or) relative on an overnight cruise,” a Defense Department spokeswoman said.

In a move unrelated to the indiscretion, Mr Noonan was replaced as chief of the Navy by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond five days later.

Mr Noonan retired from defense in September 2022 after a 38-year career.

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 and 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 in inspiring the next generations who will selflessly help protect our country.

“To say this person, Michael Noonan, that I adore and am truly inspired by would be an understatement.”

Daily Mail Australia contacted Michael Noonan for comment.