More probably "apparently not" since, if he was working ashore, it seems much more likely that this was an officer serving in the rank of "Capitano di Fregata", a Commander equivalent, rather than a "frigate captain". Yes, I know that he could previously also have been the latter!
Named as
Walter Biot, 54, a fighter controller commissioned from the ranks. So highly unlikely to have ever commanded a ship.
https://www.italy24news.com/News/4246.html