Pictured as: the Madison R. (Dean Marine Excavating) Photo by: Bobby Dzz

Built in 1958, by Gulfport Shipbuilding Incorporated of Port Arthur, Texas (hull #500) as the Gatco Alabama for the Gulf Atlantic Transport Company of Jacksonville, Florida.

In 1977, the tug was acquired by SeaBulk Towing Services Incorporated of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Where she was renamed as the Ares.

In 2009 she was acquired by Heritage Marine Incorporated of Two Harbors, Minnesota and renamed as the Nels J.

In 2017, the tug was acquired by Dean Marine and Excavating Incorporated of Mount Clemens, Michigan. Where she was renamed as the Madison R.

She is a single screw tug, rated at 2,000 horsepower.