Built in 1968, by the Parker Brothers Shipyard of Houston, Texas (hull #44) as the Captain Bill Parker for ABS Towing and Salvage Limited of Norfolk, Virginia.
In 2004, the tug was acquired by the Norfolk Tug Company of Norfolk, Virginia. Where she was renamed as the Ellie J.
In 2021, she was acquired by Feeney's Enterprises of Kingston, New York. Where the tug was renamed as the Thomas R.
Powered by two, Cummins KTA-38M diesel engine. With Twin Disc MG540 reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.6:1. Turning two, 63(in) by 73(in), stainless steel, fixed pitch propellers. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 1,800 horsepower.
Her electrical service is provided by two, 80kW, John Deere 4045TFM generator sets. The tug's capacities are 18,593 gallons of fuel, 274 gallons of lube oil, and 3,400 gallons of water.
The towing equipment consists of two, 40 ton, Patterson, electric winches, mounted on her bow.