23-Year-Old Airman Dies in Heavy Equipment Accident at Vandenberg Space Force Base

Vandenberg Space Force Base officials announced Friday that Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, 23, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, died Thursday in an accident involving heavy equipment at the California facility. Eneluna was a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight, which is responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure including roads and airfields that support the base’s launch and test operations.

The accident occurred when heavy equipment Eneluna was operating rolled down an embankment, according to base officials. No other personnel sustained injuries in the incident. The Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office has not yet determined an official cause of death, and units at Vandenberg are assisting a Safety Investigation Board review of the circumstances.

Eneluna joined the military on March 5, 2024, and arrived at Vandenberg in August for his first duty assignment, where he became part of the unit’s “Dirt Boyz” team of pavement and heavy equipment specialists. He spent part of his childhood in the Philippines before his service.

Base leadership praised Eneluna’s character and work ethic. Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg Space Force Base, said Eneluna earned respect through dedication and genuine care for others. Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, 30th CES commander, noted that Eneluna exemplified outstanding airman qualities and brought out the best in his teammates.