Who is Frank Camparelli from Flight of the Intruder and what is their importance?

Commander Frank Camparelli is the leader of the A-6 air squadron aboard the aircraft carrier. He is in charge of 400 men and 16 aircraft. Camparelli is described as short and powerfully built. He is a twenty-year navy veteran, and he is a disciplined, canny commander. His men respect and admire him, but they do not dare to call him by his nickname, the "Old Man"..... at least not to his face.