Robert J. Blackwell

Robert Joseph Blackwell Sr. (February 26, 1925 – February 15, 2024) was an American government official. Blackwell was a native of Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Syracuse University and Harvard Law School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. His government career began as an attorney with the Federal Maritime Board, then as director of several bureaus within the Federal Maritime Commission. In May 1969 he became deputy maritime administrator and in March 1971 Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Maritime Affairs. He served through the remainder of the Nixon and Ford Administrations and into the Carter Administration. He left that post in 1979, and was replaced by Samuel B. Nemirow.^[1]

Robert J. Blackwell
United States Maritime Administrator
In office July 7, 1972 – April 9, 1979
President	Richard Nixon Gerald Ford Jimmy Carter
Preceded by	Andrew E. Gibson
Succeeded by	Samuel B. Nemirow
Personal details
Born	(1925-02-26)February 26, 1925 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died	February 15, 2024(2024-02-15) (aged 98) Ocean Ridge, Florida, U.S.

In 1976 he received the VADM Land Medal of the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers for Outstanding Accomplishment in the Marine Field.^[2]

Blackwell died at his home in Ocean Ridge, Florida on February 15, 2024, at the age of 98.^[3]

Writings

• "Implementation of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970". Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce, 167, 1973–1974

References

1. "Department of Commerce Nomination of Samuel B. Nemirow To Be Assistant Secretary for Maritime Affairs". The American Presidency Project. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
2. "VADM Land Medal". The Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers. Archived from the original on 2013-02-22. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
3. "Robert J Blackwell Sr". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved 24 March 2024.

Sources

• "Maritime Affairs Director to Address Senior Middies," Bangor Daily News, April 18, 1972