USS San Diego

Linda Engel Winter, the daughter of Frank and Erma Engel, is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. She and her husband, Dr. Donald Winter, former 74th Secretary of the Navy, met as students at the University of Rochester and were married a week after graduation in 1969. After Linda worked at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research while Dr. Winter earned his PhD., the Winters moved to Southern California, where their two sons were born. During the time that her children were growing up, Linda was heavily involved in volunteer leadership activities with school, community and athletic groups. San Diego was a favored destination for many family activities and later, during her husband’s tenure, became one again for visits to the many Naval installations in and around the city. For the last ten years the Winters have lived in northern Virginia. Their older son, Ben, lives nearby with his wife Amber and their three children, while their younger son, Jon, lives in Southern California, maintaining the family connection.
During the time that Dr. Winter served as Secretary of the Navy, January 2006 to March 2009, Linda appreciated the opportunity to meet, support and talk with the Sailors and Marines as well as their wonderful families. She retains a deep and abiding love and respect for the whole Navy family and is deeply honored to be the sponsor of San Diego (LPD 22). With the help of her good friends and Matrons of Honor, Sheila Sieger and Lisa Lutz, she looks forward to supporting all those who sail on her for many years.