A navy sailor has proposed to his girlfriend – who said yes – during an emotional reunion in Auckland after a lengthy deployment abroad.
HMNZS Te Mana and her 170 crew members docked at the naval base in Devonport on Friday morning.
The frigate left New Zealand for Canada more than three years ago to extended system upgrade†
Because of the length of the voyage, the ship was entitled to a ceremonial homecoming, with live music from the naval band, gun salutes, banners and a haka, with about 700 friends and whānau in attendance.
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The first thing Petty Officer Jacob Biddle (Tūhoe) did when he got out of Te Mana was to get down on one knee and propose to his three-year-old partner, Takimoana Hawea.
Dave Rowland/Getty Images
Takimoana Hawea has two reasons to celebrate her partner Jacob Biddle’s return from his broadcast after he got down on one knee and proposed to her.
The pair kissed and Hawea nodded “yes,” before jumping into Biddle’s arms as his comrades cheered and whistled from the ship.
Biddle, a sailor combat specialist who was deployed for about a year, said the proposal had taken months of planning and some trickery to get Hawea’s ring size.
While in Canada, Biddle bought two silver rings and told Hawea it was so they could have matching rings — and he could get her ring size without any suspicion.
Biddle then brought the engagement ring on during a home visit in February and had it resized in Hawaii.
He was “very nervous” leading up to the proposal, as the entire ship was aware of his plan.
However, he was very excited to settle with Hawea after what he believed would be one of his last deployments in the Navy.
“I’m glad my darling is home now,” Hawea said.
Dave Rowland/Getty Images
HMNZS Te Mana has returned to Aotearoa after an extensive upgrade in Canada.
She added that she “had no idea” the proposal was coming.
“I was shaking. I loved it. It was perfect.”
Hawea also had no idea that the lunch she planned for Biddle’s return would also be her engagement party, which involved their whānau at all.
“It’s a double celebration now.”
Dave Rowland/Getty Images
Te Mana Commander, Commander Mike Peebles, is greeted by his wife and family on the dock during the ceremonial homecoming of HMNZS Te Mana at Devonport Naval Base.
Te Mana’s commander, Commander Mike Peebles, had been on the ship for three years.
Usually seamen stayed on the ship for a maximum of two years.
His wife, Brenda Peebles, and their daughters Amber (10) and Milla (8) had been counting down the days until his return.
“We’re really proud of him,” said Brenda Peebles.
When asked how they planned to celebrate their father’s return home, Amber said they would hug him.
Te Mana’s upgrade included new surveillance, combat and self-defense systems to align the frigates with the Navy’s allies and ensure that they provide effective combat platforms well into the 2030s.