Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Sisneros is from Phoenix, Arizona. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves as a Bulk Fuel Specialist where he achieved the rank of Sergeant while attending school at Arizona State University. In December 2006, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Management & Technology and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
While waiting to start The Basic School (TBS), Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros served as an assistant to the RS Phoenix Officer Selection Officer on PTAD. Upon completion of TBS, Second Lieutenant Sisneros reported to MATSG-21 in Pensacola, Florida for flight training in the T-34C. He completed primary flight training and reported to VT-21 at NAS Kingsville to fly the T-45C and earned his wings of gold in April 2010. He was then assigned to VFA-106 aboard NAS Oceana, Virginia for F/A-18 pilot training.
Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros completed F/A-18 training in July 2011 and reported to VMFA(AW)-242 aboard MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. During his time with the Bats, he served as the Coffee Mess Officer, Mission Planning Cell and Joint Mission Planning System Officer, NATOPS Officer, Schedules Officer and Threat Air-to-Air Missile Subject Matter Expert. He deployed on numerous detachments for training and exercises throughout the Western Pacific to Thailand, Australia, Guam, Korea, Philippines, and Okinawa.
In July 2014, Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros reported to the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve as the Command Element’s Assistant Air Officer, Forward Air Controller, and Information Management Officer. In May 2015, he transferred to the 26th MEU to serve as the Assistant Air Officer and Forward Air Controller for their combat deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility. He was forward deployed during this time and served as an Aviation Fires Advisor and Foreign Security Force Advisor to a host nation Fires and Integration Cell.
In June 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros reported to MAG-31 in Beaufort, South Carolina to join VMFA(AW)-224, deploying to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command 17.2 flying combat missions in support of Coalition Forces during Operation Inherent Resolve. During his tour with the Bengals, Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros has served as the Flight Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and Executive Officer.
In July 2019, Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros returned to MAG-12 in Iwakuni, Japan and reported to VMFA(AW)-242. Serving as the Director of Safety and Standardization and Executive Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros was part of the historic VMFA(AW)-242 F-18D sundown of the Marine Corps’ only permanently forward deployed Hornet squadron during its transition to the F-35B.
In October 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros transferred back to MAG-31 and reported to his current duty with VMFAT-501 for F-35B pilot training with follow-on orders as a F-35B instructor pilot. Lieutenant Colonel Sisneros served as the Logistics Officer, ALIMS Department Officer-in-Charge, Director of Safety and Standardization, F-35B Fleet NATOPS Program Manager, and is currently the squadron’s Executive Officer.
His personal decorations include the Air Medal (5 Strike/Flight Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (w/ 2 Gold Stars) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.