Built in 1979, by the Louis G. Ortis Boat Company of Krotz Springs, Louisiana (hull #57) as the Tony Sr. for Tony Industries Incorporated of Gretna, Louisiana.

In 1985, the tug was acquired by the Pontchartrain Materials Corporation of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Capt. Fred.

In 1991, she was acquired by the Eckstein Marine Service Incorporated of Harahan, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Randy Eckstein.

In 1993, the Eckstein Marine Service Incorporated renamed the tug as the Alix Anne.

In 1994, the Eckstein Marine Service Incorporated renamed the tug as the Pat Salvaggio.

In 2006, she was acquired by Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the North Wind.

In 2018, the tug was acquired Bellaire Harbor Service Incorporated of Bellaire, Ohio. Where she was renamed as the Joseph W Carl.

Re powered in 2002, the tug is driven by two, Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 7:1. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 1,250 horsepower.