Photo By Sgt. Mary Torres | U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Nygaard, a Hastings, Minnesota native, the 2025...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz. – When Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Nygaard was named the 2025 Marine Corps Engineer Association Combat Engineer Staff Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, it was more than a personal accolade – it was a reflection of a career spent building capability, forging partnerships, and empowering Marines at every level.
A Hastings, Minnesota native, Nygaard recently served as the Alpha Company operations chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border. In this role, he continued to bring the same standard of professionalism and operational excellence to what is currently the Department of Defense’s highest-priority mission.
Nygaard’s path to being named the Corps’ top combat engineer SNCO, however, was forged through a global journey, spanning continents and crises. His work supported a wide array of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations, combining tactical engineering expertise with hands-on mentorship, and leaving a lasting impact on units and Marines around the world.
Global Impact, Ground-Level Leadership
In 2024, Nygaard deployed to the Indo-Pacific with CLB 15 as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where his engineering expertise became an indispensable force multiplier during a series of high-impact operations.
While operating in Palawan, Philippines, during Exercises Balikatan and Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum, Nygaard led critical engineering reconnaissance of infrastructure across the island. His assessments directly informed theater-wide logistics planning and laid the groundwork for the first-ever bilateral convoy between U.S. and Philippine Marine forces in the region – a significant milestone in allied interoperability. Following Palawan, Nygaard embarked aboard the USS Boxer to the Korean Peninsula, where he led subject matter expert exchanges focused on combat fortifications and water purification and during Exercise Ssang Yong 2024 – capabilities that serve dual roles in both combat and humanitarian missions.
“Gunnery Sgt. Nygaard is the kind of guy every leader wants on his team.” said Capt. Matthew Ahern, CLB 15 logistics officer during the 15th MEU deployment. “His ability to operate independently, make sound decisions in dynamic environments, and build real partnerships with allied forces had an outsized impact on our success. He’s a technical expert and a trusted leader – we felt the difference every time he was on the ground.”
When a typhoon devastated the Batanes Islands later that year, Nygaard was hand-selected to return to the Philippines as part of the 15th MEU’s Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team. Serving as the U.S. liaison to the United States Agency for International Development and local government officials, he coordinated the delivery of more than 98,000 pounds of humanitarian aid.
“Deploying with the 15th MEU gave me the chance to do what I love: solving complex problems in the field, supporting Marines and our Partners, and representing the Corps in a way that makes an impact,” said Nygaard. “I’m proud of what we accomplished together and even more proud of the Marines who made it happen.”
Stateside Mission, Same Mindset
Now back in the United States, Nygaard continued his mission-first approach and engineering expertise as Alpha Company operations chief, where he oversaw four platoons conducting engineering and security missions along the southern border in support of JTF-SB.
He validated every mission card and ensured Marines were fully resourced and ready – from personnel and equipment to coordination with CLB 15's command-and-control node. A subject matter expert in engineering operations, from barrier reinforcement to terrain analysis, Nygaard set the standard for safe, precise, and high-impact execution.
Alpha Company emplaced more than 270 National Defense Area signs across Yuma’s NDA, navigating through rugged and complex terrain – with some placements requiring aerial insertion support from U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawks provided by an adjacent JTF-SB unit. Additionally, the company had reinforced over one thousand meters of the southern border barrier using barbed and concertina wire. These tangible accomplishments directly reflected Nygaard’s expertise and significant contribution to mission success.
“I was once that engineer on the ground, directly affected by my leaders’ decision-making,” said Nygaard. “Now, I hold that responsibility – and I don’t take it lightly. My job is to make sure Marines, and their leaders have everything they need to succeed and return home safely.”
Even amid demanding operational requirements, Nygaard carves out time for mentorship – something his Marines consistently recognize and appreciate.
“Gunnery Sgt. Nygaard is the kind of Marine who gets things done – whether it’s combat engineering, admin, or mentoring junior Marines,” said Sgt. Kaleb Butts, one of Nygaard's subordinate Marines and the Marine Corps’ 2025 Combat Engineer Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. “Watching him work shaped how I approach my own growth. He’s shown me that true excellence means being versatile and stepping up wherever you're needed.”
Capt. Ahern, now Alpha Company’s commander, echoes the sentiment.
“Gunnery Sgt. Nygaard fundamentally transformed how we operate,” said Ahern. “He’s as dependable as he is driven, and he lifts everyone around him. Replacing him won’t be easy.”
Looking Ahead: Building the Next Generation
Next on Nygaard’s horizon is a return to his roots – this time as an instructor at the Marine Corps Engineer School at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, where he’ll train and mentor the next generation of Marine Corps combat engineers.
“Becoming an instructor is a responsibility I take seriously,” said Nygaard. “I’ve been shaped by great leaders and challenging experiences, and now I get to pay that forward. I want new engineers to leave my instruction-space not just technically proficient, but also confident in who they are as Marines.”
Nygaard's command leadership have expressed confidence in his future role and his enduring impact.
“Gunnery Sgt. Nygaard is exactly the kind of Marine we want stepping into senior leadership roles,” said Sgt. Maj. Miguel Ballate, CLB 15 command sergeant major. “He’s operationally sharp, humble, and absolutely dedicated to his Marines. It’s a privilege to have him in this formation, and I have no doubt we’ll see him wearing an extra rocker on his rank in the near future.”
“He is the embodiment of Marine Corps values. His diverse deployments over the past two years, from remote islands to the southern border, will leave a lasting legacy,” said Lt. Col. Colin Graham, CLB 15 battalion commander. “As an instructor, he will leverage his real-world experience to forge the next generation of combat engineers, ensuring they are ready to meet any challenge in the Fleet Marine Force.”
Whether surveying bridges in the Philippines or strengthening national security infrastructure along the southern border, Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Nygaard has consistently demonstrated he is more than a combat engineer – he is a leader, mentor, and Marine dedicated to excellence and the enduring values of “Semper Fidelis.”
As he enters the next chapter of his career, one thing is clear: his legacy is still being built – but its foundation is rock solid.
| Date Taken: | 08.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2025 12:12 |
| Story ID: | 546450 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,945 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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