Built in 1975, by the Service Machine and Shipbuilding Company of Amelia, Louisiana (hull #118) as the Miss Patricia for the Fonteneau and Smith Boat Company of Morgan City, Louisiana.
In 1978, the Fonteneau and Smith Boat Company was acquired by Newpark Marine Services of The Woodlands, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Newpark Sundance.
In 1983, she was acquired by the Gulf Fleet Marine Corporation of Houston, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Gulf Gale.
In 1985, Zapata Marine Service, Gulf Fleet Marine Incorporated, and Jackson Marine Services merged to form Zapata Gulf Marine Service Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.
In 1992, Zapata Gulf Marine Incorporated merged with Tidewater Marine Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.
In 2004, she was acquired by American Workboats Incorporated of Honolulu, Hawaii. Where she was renamed as the American Challenger.
Powered by two, twelve cylinder, EMD LR-12-645-EL diesel engines. Turning two, cast steel, fixed pitch propellers. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 4,000 horsepower.
Her electrical service is provided by two, 75kW generator sets. The tug's capacities are 69,213 gallons of fuel.
(Carel Boone, Bruce Fizell, Captain Eric Takakjian, Kyle Stubbs)