Lieutenant General Craparotta is a native of South Windsor, Connecticut and graduated from the University of Vermont. He was commissioned in May 1983. He has attended The Basic School, the Infantry Officer Course, Amphibious Warfare School, Army Command and General Staff College, and the Naval War College. He has also completed the Marine Corps Aerial Observer Course, Army Airborne School, and the Armed Forces Staff College.

His service in the Operating Forces includes: Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (June 1984 – September 1986); Company Commander and Operations Officer with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (August 1992-September 1994); Executive Officer for 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (October 1994 – January 1995); S-4 Officer for 1st Marine Regiment (January 1995 – June 1995); Division Inspector for 1st Marine Division (August 1999 – August 2000); Executive Officer for 1st Marine Regiment (September 2000 – April 2001); Commanding Officer for 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (April 2001 – June 2003); Commanding Officer for 1st Marine Regiment (June 2006 – June 2009); Assistant Division Commander, 2D Marine Division (July 2009 – July 2010); Commanding General 2D Marine Division (Forward) August 2010-April 2012.  He served as the Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force from July 2016 to August 2018, and Commanding General of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific August 2018 – August 2020.  He has commanded at the battalion, regiment, and division levels in combat.