Built in 1947, by Lee Wilson and Company of Wilson, Arkansas as the Owen Parnell for the Leo Wilson and Company of Memphis, Tennessee.

In 1951, the tug was acquired by Sertain and Company of Osceola, Arkansas. Where she retained her name.

In 1968, she was acquired by Arkansas Gravel Incorporated of Memphis, Tennessee. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1975, the tug was acquired by the River Service Corporation of Greenville, Mississippi. Where she retained her name.

In 1976, she was acquired by Hall Towing Incorporated of Greenville, Mississippi. Where the tug was renamed as the Denise Rae.

In 1982, the tug was acquired by L.W. Matteson Incorporated of Burlington, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Melissa K.

In 2011, L.W. Matteson Incorporated was acquired by the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Oak Brook, Illinois. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2019, the tug was phased out of active service and was "laid up" near Vicksburg, Mississippi.

She was a single screw tug, rated at 450 horsepower.