Built in 1924, by the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio (hull #51) as the New Jersey for the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio.
In 1952, the tug was chartered as the Petco-21.
In 1953, she was returned to the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Where the tug was renamed as the New Jersey.
In 1959, the tug was converted to diesel propulsion. Powered by a Cleveland 12-278A diesel engine. With a Falk Reverse reduction gear, at a ratio of 3.5:1. Turning one, 102(in) by 66(in), three bladed, fixed pitch, stainless steel propeller. She is a single screw tug, rated at 1,200 horsepower.
Her electrical service is provided by two, Detroit Diesel 2-71 diesel generator sets.
(Isaac Pennock, Will Van Dorp, Paul Strubeck)