Who is Earl Parker from Flight of the Intruder and what is their importance?

Lieutenant Commander Earl "Cowboy" Parker is a tall Texan. He is also the air squadron's operations officer. Partker's responsibilities extend to the smooth operation of the entire squadron, meaning he gets the blame if things go wrong. He is described as a stickler for detail, a good coach, and a demanding boss. He is also appreciated for his ability to occasionally let loose.