Airman dies in heavy equipment accident at Vandenberg Space Force Base

A U.S. Air Force airman died Thursday when heavy equipment he was operating rolled down an embankment at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, 23, from St. Louis, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office, the base said in a statement released Friday. The coroner has not determined the exact cause of death. No one else was injured in the incident.

A Safety Investigation Board investigation has been initiated.

Eneluna was assigned to the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight. Additional details will be withheld until the investigation is complete, according to the base’s statement.

“Our Vandenberg family is grieving alongside Cedric’s loved ones and his teammates,” said U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Vandenberg Space Force Base. “He made a lasting impression on his teammates through his character, dedication and genuine care for others. On behalf of Team Vandenberg, I extend my deepest condolences to Cedric’s family, friends and fellow airmen during this incredibly difficult time.”

A native of the Philippines who later moved to St. Louis, Eneluna joined the military on March 5, 2024, and was assigned to Vandenberg as his first duty assignment.

Eneluna served with professionalism, humility and an unwavering commitment to his teammates and the mission, the base said.

As one of the “Dirt Boyz,” as the civil engineering team was known, Eneluna was remembered as someone who never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

“He earned the respect and admiration of those around him through his positive attitude, tireless work ethic and willingness to help others,” the base said in a statement. “His teammates described him as a positive influence who approached every challenge with determination, embraced every opportunity to serve, and made everyone around him feel welcome.”

“He brought out the best in everyone,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, 30th CES commander.

The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight sustains the infrastructure at Vandenberg, a space launch, test and range installation used for satellite launches and missile testing near Lompoc on California’s central coast.

The base is used for launching satellites into Earth orbit and for testing intercontinental ballistic missiles without warheads in long-range missions that end in a splashdown at the Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range in the Marshall Islands.

Details of any upcoming memorial services for Eneluna or recognitions on the Central Coast are not yet finalized.