US president Donald Trump announced his intent to name the retired rear admiral, Estonian-American Edward “Sonny” Masso as the next ambassador to Estonia.
According to the White House, Masso is a decorated naval officer and the founder of Flagship Connection, a consulting company on business development, strategic planning and operations analysis in the areas of missile defense, cyber security and data analytics.
“During his distinguished 32-year career in the US Navy, he held nine command assignments, including Commander, Navy Personnel Command/Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel,” the White House said in a statement.
Masso has also served in NATO and the United States European Command. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in Cyber Security. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1977.
A son of an Estonian refugee
According to the US Navy, Masso’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (Gold Star), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three Gold Stars), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal (Gold Star).
“He is most proud, though, of being an honorary Chief Petty Officer and of the Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded to the men and women of Navy Command Center 106 for actions during and following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks,” the Navy said.
Rear admiral Masso is also a contributor to Breitbart News, a right-wing news, commentary and opinion website that is managed by Steve Bannon, president Trump’s former chief strategist.
According to the Estonian media, Edward Masso was born in the United States as a son of an Estonian refugee.
Masso will have to be confirmed by the US Senate before assuming his duties as ambassador.
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The cover image, a US flag in Estonian flag colours, is illustrative.
