Built in 1973, by Greenville Shipbuilding Incorporated of Greenville, Mississippi (hull #129) as the Richard E. Girouard for Thomas Marine Company of Butler, Pennsylvania.

In 1980, the tug was acquired by the Apex Oil Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Where she was renamed as the Patsy R.

In 1987, the Apex Oil Company renamed the tug as the Mary Lou S.

In 1992, the Apex Oil Company renamed her as the Dewey R. Inland Marine Service Incorporated of New Iberia, Louisiana was contracted to manage, crew, and operate the vessel.

Powered by two, GM 12-645E2 diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.269:1. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 3,800 horsepower.