Providence native Robert T. Murphy, (1915-1996) was instrumental in the drafting of many federal statutes relating to air safety, air transportation, and related economic issues. He participated in the creation of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and served on that board for 12 years, acting as Vice Chair for eight years. During his years on the CAB board he had a lot to do with promoting air service to New England in general and Rhode Island in particular. Murphy graduated from LaSalle Academy and Providence College before receiving his LL.B. from Georgetown University Law School in 1940. In 1956 he was chosen as Counsel to the Senate Aviation Subcommittee. During his career as a CAB Governor and Member, Murphy was involved in more than 55 bilateral aviation negotiations, 25 of which were with foreign governments. He served as the U.S. representative to the Conference of International Civil Aviation Organization (CIAO) in Buenos Aires in September 1968.