Short Takes – First Crossing

NEW VIDEO!! Take a Short Takes break and travel back to 1919 to soar across the Atlantic with the first aircraft to successfully cross ANY ocean—the giant NC-4 flying boat! Largely lost in the shadow of later aerial conquests, the NC-4 is the aircraft that proved the viability of transoceanic flight!! https://youtu.be/z8HRxdnwlFo #nathanelmiller, #sparks1524, #shorttakes, … Continue reading Short Takes – First Crossing

Short Takes – The Last Veteran

NEW VIDEO! Take a Short Takes break with me and learn the history of one of the most valuable and rare artifacts from all of World War II—the only known surviving aircraft, Japanese or American, that fought in the 1942 Battle of Midway! https://youtu.be/q8exf6ySKjs #nathanaelmiller, #sparks1524, #shorttakes, #navalaviationmuseum, #WorldWarII, #Navy, #USMC, #MarineCorps, #warplane, #warbird, #Dauntless, … Continue reading Short Takes – The Last Veteran

On the Waterfront – Leapfrog!

(Pensacola, Florida; Feb. 17, 2023) – I haven't played leapfrog since I was about four feet shorter than I am now; that is to say, since I was rather little. Imagine my surprise in 2010 at finding myself in a game of leapfrog, but one played with thousand-ton warships instead of schoolmates on the playground! … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Leapfrog!

On the Waterfront – Pongsona + 20

(Pensacola, Florida; Dec. 8, 2022) –Typhoon Pongsona schwacked the island of Guam twenty years ago today. I arrived on the island for my new assignment at the Fleet Imaging Command, Pacific's photo lab aboard Naval Base Guam barely three weeks earlier in November. I landed on island just after my 32nd birthday, but don't let … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Pongsona + 20

On the Waterfront – Kris Kringle’s Critically Cautionary Christmas Carol

(Pensacola, Florida; Dec. 1, 2022) – The holiday season is upon us! For Christians such as myself, the Christmas season marks the birth of Jesus Christ. For Jews, Hanukkah commemorates the retaking of Jerusalem during the 2nd Century B.C.E., as well as the Miracle of the Oil (when the supply of lamp oil, only enough … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Kris Kringle’s Critically Cautionary Christmas Carol

New Short Takes Video – The National Museum of the Pacific War!

New Short Takes video!! The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, preserves the boyhood home of naval hero and victorious World War II Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, as well as provides a comprehensive look into the many facets of the Pacific Theatre. Join me for a brief visit to this remarkable treasure … Continue reading New Short Takes Video – The National Museum of the Pacific War!

On the Waterfront – Sailing into History – An American Lion’s Independence Day

(Pensacola, Florida; July 4, 2022) – The amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) is now enjoying her sunset days in a Texas scrapyard, her long career over and her decks quiet until the torches begin their work. However, the Proud Lion represented the Navy—and, by extension, the United States—on many occasions throughout her history. … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing into History – An American Lion’s Independence Day

Past Exploration – Tracking Marine Corps History on Guam

(Pensacola, Florida; June 30, 2022) – World War II forever shaped the legacy of the Chamorro people and Guam after the Japanese captured the island from U.S. control in 1942. The Japanese occupation was brutal, even reaching heights of such cruelty as a Chamorro death march across the island to relocation camps. U.S. forces finally … Continue reading Past Exploration – Tracking Marine Corps History on Guam

Enjoy a Mystery During Pride Month!

Isaac Shepherd might be gay, but he seeks justice for all against the scourge of murder! Follow the adventures of mystery writer Nathanael Miller's Accidental Detective! Partnering with NCIS Special Agent Abraham Gray, Isaac Shepherd pursues threats against the United States Navy! Available NOW in paperback and ebook format on Amazon. Pick up a copy today! #nathanaelmiller, #sparks1524, #accidentaldetective, … Continue reading Enjoy a Mystery During Pride Month!

On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst

On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst (Pensacola, Florida; April 26, 2022) – The ex-USS Ponce (LPD 15) has arrived at her final berth in Texas at the scrapper’s yard. So, it’s time for another ‘On the Waterfront’ sea story about the Proud Lion and the adventures of her intrepid crew, … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst