B-class

Design, Construction, and Naming Notes

These three Holland/EB design harbor defense submarines were the last to be designed by John Holland, and were the last single propeller submarines built for the USN until 1953. All three were built by the Fore River Shipbuilding Co. in Quincy, MA. Their original names were changed to the B-class names on November 17, 1911. Additionally, their original general submarine series designations were changed to the SS series on July 17, 1920, after the boats had been decommissioned to the reserve fleet.

Viper/B-1 (Submarine No. 10, later SS-10

The Viper and the Cuttlefish sailing in formation in review. Location is believed to be the Hudson-Fulton Celebration held on the Hudson River from September 25 to October 9, 1909. This was an elaborate celebration in New York and New Jersey of the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River and the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton's first successful commercial application of the paddle steamer. There is no information as to the exact location of the photo but the day is sunny and the ships are dressed with flags and bunting. The large ships are crowded with spectators. Dutch flag is hoisted to the top of the periscopes. Henry Hudson was employed by the Dutch East India Company at the time he discovered and explored the river named for him.

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Cuttlefish/B-2 (Submarine No. 11, later SS-11)

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

Cuttlefish in drydock getting her hull cleaned, approximately 1909. Location is not known for sure, but it could be the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, or the Charleston Navy Yard in Charleston, SC. The drydock is not completely empty of water. Four men are standing on floating platforms while working on the hull. An officer, perhaps the Commanding Officer, is standing on the aft deck. There is a small canvas and metal pipe "bridge" structure erected aft of the periscope shears. This structure was used only for surface navigation and would be disassembled and taken below when the boat dived.

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Tarantula/B-3 (Submarine No. 12, later SS-12)

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

The USS Tarantula (B-3) parading during the "Hudson-Fulton Celebration" held on the Hudson River from September 25 to October 9, 1909. In New York and New Jersey it was an elaborate commemoration of the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River and the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton's first successful commercial application of the paddle steamer. There is no information as to the exact location of the photo but the day is sunny and the ships are dressed with flags and bunting. The large ships are crowded with spectators. The Dutch flag is hoisted to the top of the periscope. Henry Hudson was employed by the Dutch East India Company at the time he discovered and explored the river named for him.

See More USS B-3 Boats