From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Bonita is a species of fish allied to the mackerel.

(SSK-3: dp. 765; l. 196'1"; b. 24'7"; dr. 14'5"; s. 13 k.; cpl. 37; cl. Bass)

The original contract for construction of Bonita (SSK-3) was let to New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N. J., but later transferred to Mare Island Naval Shipyard. She was launched as K-3, 21 June 1951; sponsored by Mrs. J. S. Clark, widow of Commander Clark; commissioned 11 January 1952, Lieutenant Commander E. E. Hopley in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.

K-3 joined Submarine Squadron 7 at Pearl Harbor 15 May 1952 and has since operated on experimental and normal submarine duties, making a cruise to Alaskan waters in August-September 1956. She was renamed Bonita 15 December 1955.