Who is Captain John F. Morris from The Engines of God and what is their importance?

Captain John F. Morris is a mean spirited man, who gets enjoyment from the failure of others. He is the Captain of the Catherine Perch, and he is onboard when it rescues the personnel from the Wincklemann. Morris is described as a company man, who keeps his nose to the grindstone. Morris is visibly uncomfortable when he finds himself in opposition to a superior.