CAPT Carelli is a native of Palo Cedro, CA. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and was commissioned with distinction from the University of California Berkeley NROTC in 1992 and was designated a naval aviator in March 1995.
CAPT Carelli served with VS-21 in Atsugi, Japan, VS-41 as an FRS Landing Signals Officer and flight instructor, Carrier Air Wing TWO as a Landing Signals Officer, and the Chief of Naval Air Forces Pacific, Landing Signals Officer while concurrently serving with the “Screwbirds” of VS-33 for his operational department head tour.
In July of 2005, CAPT Carelli reported to the United States Naval War College, where he completed his Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. In July 2006, CAPT Carelli reported to the Naval Personnel Command as the VS community Detailer and Placement Officer and later as the Deputy Director PERS 43, Aviation Assignments. In August 2009, CAPT Carelli reported to the “Stingers” of VFA 113 for his command tour. Upon assuming command of VFA-113 in September 2011, CAPT Carelli led his squadron through two turn-around cycles and combat deployments onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), flying combat missions in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.
After his command tour, CAPT Carelli reported to the Joint Staff, J-3 at the Pentagon. CAPT Carelli served as an action officer in the Deputy Directorate for Nuclear, Homeland Defense and Current Operations and later as the Chief of the National Military Command Center Operations Division. In December 2014, Captain Carelli was selected for Major Command, reporting as Commodore, Training Air Wing One, in February 2015.
CAPT Carelli has accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours and 850 arrested landings. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (three awards) Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and numerous other campaign, unit commendations and awards.
CAPT Carelli joined Kodiak Aircraft in November 2017 serving as the Director of Manufacturing and is currently the Director of Kodiak Aircraft Flight Operations, and Multi Mission Business development.
