A 23-year-old US Air Force airman was killed after the heavy equipment he was operating rolled down an embankment at California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, The New York Post reported, citing officials.Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna was pronounced dead at the scene following the accident on Thursday. The Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death, while officials said no one else was injured.The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed the type of equipment involved.A Safety Investigation Board has been convened to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Military leaders pay tribute
Paying tribute to the young airman, US Space Force Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg Space Force Base, said the entire base community was mourning the loss.“Our Vandenberg family is grieving alongside Cedric’s loved ones and his teammates,” Horne was quoted as saying by NYP. “He made a lasting impression on his teammates through his character, dedication and genuine care for others.”Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, commander of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, also remembered Eneluna for his positive attitude and commitment to those around him, saying he “brought out the best in everyone.”
First duty assignment after joining military
Originally from the Philippines, Eneluna later moved to St. Louis, Missouri. He enlisted in the US military on March 5, 2024, and Vandenberg was his first duty station.He served with the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight, a unit informally known as the “Dirt Boyz.” The team is responsible for maintaining the installation’s roads, airfields and other critical infrastructure that supports launch, testing and range operations.According to the base, Eneluna earned the respect of his colleagues through his professionalism, humility and willingness to help others. Teammates described him as someone who welcomed challenges, worked tirelessly and made those around him feel included.
Strategic base plays key role in space and missile missions
Located near Lompoc on California’s central coast, Vandenberg Space Force Base is one of the United States’ primary military spaceports.The installation supports satellite launches into Earth orbit and conducts tests of unarmed intercontinental ballistic missiles, with missions concluding at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.Officials said memorial service details have not yet been announced. The investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing.
