Pictured as: the Nueces (Kirby Corporation) Photo by: Sam Draye

Built in 1981, by Balehi Marine Incorporated of Lacombe, Louisiana (hull #42) as the Lane Thomas Jr. the Thomas and Thomas Transportation Company Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 1988, the tug was acquired by Lodestar Towing Incorporated of Cut Off, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Compass Course.

In 1997, she was acquired by Dixie Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug was renamed the Nueces.

In 1998, the tug was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where she retained her name.

In 2021, she was phased out of active service and was "laid up" at Houston, Texas.

Powered by two, Mitsubishi S6A3MPTA diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 6:1. She was a twin screw towboat with kort nozzles, rated at 960 horsepower.