Built in 1956 by Dravo Corporation in Wilmington, Delaware, the Thomas Gaither is 85 feet long, 26 feet wide and is powered by twin V-16 Caterpillar engines generating 2500 horsepower. This vessel is equipped with a hydraulically operated wheelhouse that can elevate the pilot nearly four stories over the water, providing greater visibility when pushing high-sided barges. She is named in honor of the company's Chief Operations Officer, Tom Gaither, who joined the company in 1983.