A 23-year-old U.S. Air Force airman died Thursday in a heavy equipment accident at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, officials announced Friday.
Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight, was operating heavy equipment when it rolled down an embankment, according to the base's Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs office. No other personnel were injured in the incident.
Eneluna, who was from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and had spent part of his childhood in the Philippines, joined the military on March 5, 2024. He arrived at Vandenberg in August for his first duty assignment and became part of the unit's "Dirt Boyz" team, which specializes in pavement and heavy equipment.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron," Vandenberg Space Force Base said in a statement. "A1C Eneluna served with honor, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates and the mission. His loss is felt across our Vandenberg family."
Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg Space Force Base, stated that Eneluna "made a lasting impression on his teammates through his character, dedication, and genuine care for others." Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, 30th CES commander, added that Eneluna "truly represented what it means to be an Airman," noting his positive attitude and willingness to help.
The Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office has not yet determined the official cause of death. Units at Vandenberg are supporting a Safety Investigation Board review into the incident.