Built in 1943 by George Lawley and Son at Neponset, Massachusetts as the DPC-4 for the United States Defense Plant Corporation.

In 1946, the tug was acquired by the City of New York Department of Sanitation. Where she was renamed as the D S 44.

In 1950, the City of New York Department of Santitation renamed the tug as the Spring Creek.

In 1969, she was acquired by the Sause Brothers Ocean Towing Company of Coos Bay, Oregon. Where the tug was renamed as the Cochise.

In 1995, the tug was acquired by Marine Express Incorporated of Walnut Creek, California. Where she was renamed as the Southern Cross.