Edward Linhart:
CLASS OF 1959
Gardena High SchoolClass of 1959
Gardena, CA
Edward's Story
I had quit before graduation to go into the Navy. Always sorry for doing that, but it taught me the importance of education. After leaving the Navy in 1962 I obtained an AA degree from Fullerton Jr. College. Then went on to Cal State University, Long Beach to get a BA and MA. Then went to Claremont Graduate school, in 1977, working on a Phd. Half way through I had to go to New York for my work. Was there for two years and transferred to Nashville for two years. Got home sick and took a job as Vice President for Northrop Aircraft, in Hawthorne, where I met a couple of our Gardena classmates. I left there after five years and became President of Western Gear corporation, City of Industry, until 1989. Became President and COO of Precision Aerothech in La Jolla for two years. Then went into Mergers and Acquistions for myself and Bought six divisions, over four years, from large aerospace companies and managed them until the last one sold in 2001. I semi retired then got a call from Lockheed to go to help them part time on the F-22. Then got a full time offer to be the Vice President of Production on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, in Fort Worth, a real fun program for me , but long hours. I retired in September 2007 at the age of 66. In November 2008 Lockheed asked me to consult for them on the F-35 and I accepted if I could put in a maximum of 20 hours a week. I have been working at that up to the present. So for a fellow coming from Gardena, I've met a lot of important people and received many awards for my work in the aerospace industry. The most important to me was Alumnus of the year (1990 Cal St. Univ. Long Beach) and Engineer of the year from the California Engineers Council in 1991 for work on the F-22 before much was known about it. I love the small town here in Texas, but still get to California about three times a year minimum (still have a place at Big Bear).
Dassault Systemes of France invited me to make a presentation at an Aerospace Conference in Bangalore, India on October 7, 2013. The place where the conference was held was Leela Palace Hotel. I have never seen such a place. It m...Expand for more
akes any place I have ever stayed at, second rate. Then about a mile down the road was SHANTY town. What a contrast.! It was worth the 9.5 hours on a plane to London and then 9.5 hours to India. I had never been there before. They have offered a consulting contract to go back for two and a half months. I will have to think about that.
I have just started in October, consulting for BAE Global Fighter Progams here in Texas. This is starting to upgrade F-16 fighters for South Korea and possibly more countries.
Got back from India three weeks ago. I took a four week consulting job with Dassault Systemes in Bangalore, India. They treated me really well. This time I went through Dubai. My contract had ended with BAE in April. Looking to see what comes up next. It is hot in Texas this time of the year, but getting a cool front in a couple of days. That does not usually happen this time of year.
Lost a dear friend by the name of Don Brooks out there in Paramount over a week ago. I worked with him at McDonnell Douglas and Northrop for many years and visited him when ever I was in California.
Just got back from California on June 29, 2019. I was out there for the week doing some consulting. Sure enjoyed the weather compared here in Texas. That is the only thing I like about the old home.
Finally sold our place in Big Bear. No longer tied to California taxes.
Looking to do some consulting for the week of February 24, 2020 out in California. Will visit my youngest sister and a cousin while I am there.
That was a great trip.
I was supposed to go back to California on the week of March 23, 2020, but this Coronavirus halted that. Now I will have to wait until things open up again. Everyone stay in and stay healthy.
Was in California the week of January 24, 2022 interviewing for consulting job. It appears I got it, but have to wait until I get the contract. That means I will get out to California more often.
Everyone stay healthy and keep your immune system up. I use BioShield.
I was in California from May 15, 2022 to May 21, 2022 working on a consulting contract in Irvine. Enjoyed the weather and visiting friends.
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