Mr. Caiella is a journalist of more than 45 years with experience as a photographer, editor, writer, designer, and graphic artist. He has worked as lead editor of scholarly publications for the Naval History and Heritage Command, senior editor of Proceedings and Naval History magazines, and writer-editor for the U.S. Marine Corps’ History Division.

Articles by James M. Caiella

The Illinois, a brick near-replica of the Indiana (Battleship No. 1) design, served as the home for naval exhibits at Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition. Later, for a brief time, she was home to the Illinois Naval Militia.

The Brick Battleship

By J. M. Caiella
February 2021
The U.S. Navy records only two commissioned warships named for the state of Illinois—the current Virginia-class submarine SSN-786 and Battleship No. 7 of 1901. Yet five years before the ...
Plan of the brig Oneida showing profile of starboard side

‘A Perfect Slug’

By J. M. Caiella
December 2019
Despite being a "dull sailor," the U.S. Navy brig Oneida saw more combat against the British than any other U.S. warship during the War of 1812