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

First Lieutenant Christian F. Schilt and his gunner, who did not fly during the Quilali flights, pose with their aircraft at Ocotal.

Little-Known Hero

By J. M. Caiella
August 2024
Fifteen years before the Vought F4U Corsair cemented its name in history over the Pacific Ocean in World War II, the original Corsair earned its own significant place in the ...
Lieutenant Theodore Ellyson is in the pilot’s seat of A-1 as preparations are made for the cable test launch. The main cable ran in an inverted U-channel beneath the pontoon; thinner cables were strung near each wingtip for balance. The broad U-shaped tip guides are visible beneath the wings.

The Navy’s First

By J. M. Caiella
June 2024
Practical flight was less than eight years old when the U.S. Navy made its first tentative commitment to put sailors aloft in heavier-than-air craft.
The Eastwind is shown off the coast of Greenland in her World War II state, including her Arctic camouflage. Note the twin dual 5-inch/38-caliber gun houses fore and aft.

The Other Capture

J. M. Caiella
October 2023
Soon after the end of World War II in Europe, hitherto secrets of the fight against Germany became more widely known. One of the major headline-grabbing stories was the revelation ...
midget submarine X-1

The Smallest Boat

By J. M. Caiella
August 2023
During World War II, four major combatants—Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and Japan—used midget submarines with varying degrees of success.

Four Centuries Ago...

By Joseph A. Gutierrez Jr.
April 2007
In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, we look back on the circumstances that brought a tiny fleet of ships to the New World.
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.

Family Namesake

By J. M. Caiella
October 2022
The ship’s namesake had been killed on 12 August 1944 when a PB4Y-1 Liberator he was piloting accidentally exploded.