Built in 1946, by the St. Louis Shipbuilding and Steel Company of St. Louis, Missouri (hull #896) as the Havana Zephyr for the J. D. Streett and Company of St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1955, the tug was acquired by Huffman Towing Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Where she retained her name.

In 1973, the Huffman Towing Company renamed the tug as the H.F. Leonard.

In 1986, she was acquired by the Chem Carriers LLC. of Sunshine, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed a the Merlin Banta.

In 2005, the tug was acquired by McKinney Salvage and Heavy Lift Incorporated of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Where she retained her name.

In 2006, she was acquired by Chem Carriers LLC. of Sunshine, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.

Powered by two, GM 12-645C diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 3:1. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 2,800 horsepower.