Built in 1975, by the Dravo Corporation of Neville Island, Pennsylvania (hull #6612) as the Steel Patriot for the Ohio Barge Line Incorporated of Dravosburg, Pennsylvania.

In 1984, the tug was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she retained her name.

In 1992, the Ingram Barge Company renamed the tug as the Dennis C. Bottorff.

Powered by two, GM 20-645E7B diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.515:1. Turning two, fixed pitch propellers mounted in kort nozzles. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 7,200 horsepower.