Built in 1973, by St. Louis Ship of St. Louis, Missouri (hull #3106) as the Herman Pott for Federal Barge Lines Incorporated of St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1974, the tug was used in the filming of the television movie "The Rivermen." Where she was renamed just for the filming of the movie, as the River King. Once filming was complete, the tug was returned to its original name as the Herman Pott.

In 1984, she was acquired by Midland Enterprises Incorporated of Cincinnati, Ohio. Where she retained her name.

In 2003, the tug was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she retained her name.

In 2005, the Ingram Barge Company renamed the tug as the Richard E. Waugh.

Powered by two, GM 16-645E7B diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.345:1. Turning two, fixed pitch propellers mounted in kort nozzles. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 6,120 horsepower.