USS Bonita SS-15 C-4 C C Class Submarine Patch

USS Bonita SS-15 C-4 C C Class Submarine Patch (U.S. Navy) 4.5" x 4.5" Embroidered Patch with Sew-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
USS Bonita (SS-15), originally known as Submarine C-4, was a C-class submarine of the United States Navy and part of the Navy’s third class of undersea vessels. She was laid down in 1906 and commissioned in 1909, during the infancy of American submarine development. Built by Fore River Shipbuilding Company in Quincy, Massachusetts, under the Electric Boat design, Bonita was designed primarily for coastal defense and harbor protection. Her creation marked a continuation of experimental submarine design and operational testing as the U.S. Navy sought to establish a functional and strategic submarine force.

Notable Commanders
As with many early submarines, USS Bonita was commanded by naval officers on the cutting edge of undersea warfare—a small cadre of men navigating the Navy’s uncharted underwater domain. These early submarine leaders often doubled as engineers, troubleshooters, and tacticians, operating in an era when there were no textbooks or established doctrine for submarine warfare. Their initiative and courage were essential to the Navy’s understanding of what these new vessels could do.

Major Campaigns/Operations
USS Bonita’s operational life predates the full American entry into World War I, so she did not see front-line combat. However, she was heavily involved in the foundational work of U.S. undersea warfare. Assigned to the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet, Bonita carried out extensive training, patrol, and experimental duties along the East Coast and in the Caribbean. These operations were vital to developing submarine tactics, crew procedures, and mechanical reliability that would inform the next generation of wartime submarines.

Specialized Role/Equipment
As a C-class submarine, USS Bonita was a coastal and harbor defense vessel. She was equipped with two 18-inch torpedo tubes and carried a total of four torpedoes. Bonita used a gasoline-powered engine for surface propulsion and electric motors for submerged operations—technology that was dangerous and prone to complications, particularly related to toxic fumes and battery issues. She had a relatively shallow dive capability and limited endurance, which made her ideal for near-shore patrolling and training but not suitable for long-range missions.

Acts of Heroism
Though not tested in battle, USS Bonita’s crew operated under conditions that demanded a distinct form of heroism. Submarine duty at the time was perilous: mechanical systems were still experimental, air circulation was poor, and the risk of fire, flooding, or battery explosion was constant. Every patrol and submerged run tested the limits of both machinery and men. The crew’s willingness to operate in such an environment without hesitation laid the foundation for the submarine service’s tradition of silent bravery.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
USS Bonita’s legacy lies in her contribution to the experimental and developmental phase of the U.S. submarine force. She served as a crucial learning platform for submarine crews, engineers, and tacticians during the early 20th century. Bonita’s performance and lessons learned helped influence the Navy’s approach to undersea warfare, leading to more advanced classes like the E and F-class submarines and ultimately to the fleet submarines of WWII. Though modest in size and capability, Bonita was a cornerstone in the construction of America’s future submarine power.