Destined to Be a Submariner

Fred F. Maphis was born in Germany during World War II. His father was in the German Submarine Force, was missing in action, and was presumed dead. During the American occupation of Germany, Freds mother met and fell in love with his stepfather, a Sergeant Maphis of the US Army Air Core, later known as the US Air Force. Fred became a US citizen in 1956. Upon high school graduation, he joined the US Navy and volunteered for submarine duty. Fred served eight years on active duty and twenty-three years in the naval reserves, continuing his ability to work on submarines along with many other types of surface craft. In civilian life, Fred was an electronics technician, and after receiving his BS, he became a process engineer. Fred is married to the love of his life, Derlaann Nalani Maphis, for over fifty-three years. They have three grown children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Fred and his wife reside in Richardson, Texas.