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]

This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2024)

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (March 2024)

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]

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