The USS B-3 (SS-12), originally designated "Submarine Torpedo Boat No. 12," was a B-class submarine constructed for the United States Navy in the early 20th century. Built by the Fore River Shipbuilding Company under a subcontract from Electric Boat, she was laid down on September 5, 1905, in Quincy, Massachusetts, and launched on March 30, 1907. She was officially commissioned on December 4, 1907. The B-3 measured approximately 82 feet 5 inches (25.12 meters) in length, with a beam of 12 feet 6 inches (3.81 meters) and a mean draft of 10 feet 7 inches (3.23 meters). Her displacement was 145 long tons (147 metric tons) on the surface and 173 long tons (176 metric tons) submerged. She was crewed by one officer and nine enlisted men, and could reach a diving depth of 150 feet (45.7 meters). Powered on the surface by a 240-horsepower gasoline engine and submerged by a 115-horsepower electric motor, the B-3 could attain speeds of up to 9 knots on the surface and 8 knots underwater. Her operational range was 540 nautical miles at 9 knots when surfaced, with a submerged range of 12 nautical miles at 4 knots. Armed with two 18-inch torpedo tubes in the bow and carrying two reloads for a total of four torpedoes, she was equipped for offensive patrols. Initially serving along the Atlantic coast with the Atlantic Fleet, she was involved in training and experimental exercises until she entered reserve in 1909, was recommissioned in 1910, and served with the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet. In 1912, she was renamed B-3 and transferred to the Asiatic Station, arriving in the Philippines in 1913. Based at Cavite, she participated in patrols and training, including guarding Manila Bay during tense periods before and during World War I, with orders to sink Japanese vessels if hostilities occurred. B-3 was awarded the "Battle Efficiency Pennant" in 1914 for her performance. She continued patrol duties through World War I, primarily to enforce neutrality and protect the Philippines from potential threats, including the Imperial German Navy. The vessel was decommissioned on July 25, 1921, at Cavite, and was later sunk as a target. Her name was struck from the Navy list on January 17, 1922, marking the end of her service.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.