
Built in 1973, by Jakobson Shipyard Incorporated of Oyster Bay, New York (hull #452) as the Texaco Fuel Chief for Texaco Marine Company Incorporated of Port Arthur, Texas.
In 1990, the Texaco Marine Company renamed the tug as the Star Fuel Chief.
In 1994, she was acquired by the Dann Ocean Towing Company of Tampa, Florida. Where she was renamed as the Colonel.
In 1997, the tug was acquired by the Gateway Towing Company Incorporated of New Haven, Connecticut. Where she was renamed as the Navigator.
In 2020, the Gateway Towing Company ceased its operation of towing vessels. And the tug was "laid up" at New Haven, Connecticut.
In 2020, the Gateway Towing Company ceased operating towing vessels. And she was acquired by Cape Cod Canal Towing LLC. of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Where the tug was renamed as the Protector.
In 2020, she was "laid up" at Fall River, Massachusetts.
Powered by two, twelve cylinder, EMD 12-645-E5 diesel engines. Turning two, bronze, fixed pitch propellers. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 4,600 horsepower.
(Carel Boone)