On Tuesday, Capt. Edward Winter not only celebrated his 90th birthday but a life that took him around the world as he defended his country in World War II.

A lifelong fascination with airplanes led Winter to getting his commercial pilot’s license in 1939. From there, Winter went into the Navy where his career spanned more than 30 years.

“As soon as they [the Navy] found out I had wings, the Navy said, ‘You’re coming with us,’ ” Winter said.

He’s one of the fewer and fewer individuals still alive who served during World War II.

Winter spent three years in North Africa during the war and can still remember the time he spent living with a French family there “like it was yesterday.”

During the war, Winter spent time in Casablanca tracking Germans.

“I remember shooting and saying, ‘I’m going to get myself a German,’ ” Winter said.

He then went on to spend time in the Caribbean at the Coral Sea and tracking German submarines off the coast of Brazil. 

In his career, Winter has flown more than 40 types of airplanes, and his love for them is still easily apparent in his Poway home, which is decorated with model airplanes and photos from his time in the Navy.

Today, his name is on a plaque on the USS Midway, where he also spent time during his Navy career. 

After retiring from the Navy in 1971, Winter moved to Poway with his wife, Nancy. Since then, Winter has spent his time tinkering with his cars and electronics, as well as spending time with his family which includes his great-great grandchildren in the city he describes as "one of the nicest places to live.”

Although he is 90 years old now, Winter doesn’t seem to be slowing down. He’s gone through 11 major surgeries but was able to fly until fairly recently. And now that he’s outlived many of his comrades, he has a few secrets for longevity. Four of his best buddies died before they were 40 years old and were heavy smokers, but Winter never touched a cigarette. He also keeps busy with his hobbies and walks laps nightly around his large swimming pool, so that he’s always active.

“Oh, I’ve got so many projects,” Winter said. “If I’m going to stay alive, I have to keep my mind busy.”