Who is Admiral Joseph Kemper from Raise the Titanic! and what is their importance?

Admiral Joseph Kemper is the navy's Chief of Staff. He is cruising on the Rappahannock River with Seagram and Sandecker when he is told about Meta Section and the Sicilian Project. He promises them the use of the salvage ship Modoc and a crew. When the suspense during the hurricane begins, the group, including the President, gather in Kemper's Pentagon office to monitor the situation.