Built in 1969, by the Dravo Corporation of Neville Island, Pennsylvania (hull #5259) as the A.P. Boxley for Midland Enterprises Incorporated of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 1990, Midland Enterprises Incorporated renamed the tug as the Eastern Star.

In 2002, the tug was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she retained her name.

In 2009, the Ingram Barge Company renamed the tug as the William P. Morelli.

Repowered in 2009, she is driven by two GE 12V-250 diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.536:1. Turning two, fixed pitch propellers mounted in kort nozzles. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 7,300 horsepower.