Built in 1973, by St. Louis Ship of St. Louis, Missouri (hull #3301) as the Gale C. for the Upper Mississippi Towing Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1977, the Upper Mississippi Towing Company became the Riverway Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1977, she was leased to the C and G Operating Company Incorporated of Oak Grove, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1980, the tug was leased to Newport Towing Incorporated of Illmo, Missouri. Where she retained her name.

In 1985, she was acquired by the Lawson and Lawson Towing Company Incorporated Wynne, Arkansas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2005, the tug was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she retained her name.

In 2024, the Ingram Barge Company renamed the tug as the John D. Roberts.

Repowered in 1999, she is driven by three GM 12-710G-7B diesel engines. She is a triple screw towboat, rated at 9,180 horsepower.