US Airman dies in heavy equipment incident at Vandenberg Space Force Base

Published Jul 20, 07:03 PM UTC

A U.S. airman, 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, 23, died Thursday after heavy equipment he was operating rolled down an embankment at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Eneluna was a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron's Pavements and Equipment Flight, known as the 'Dirt Boyz,' responsible for maintaining base roads, airfield, and infrastructure. No other personnel were injured. A Safety Board Investigation has been launched, and the Santa Barbara Coroner's office had not determined the official cause of death as of Friday. Eneluna joined the military in 2024 and arrived at Vandenberg in August of that year. He spent his childhood in the Philippines and considered Fayetteville, North Carolina, his hometown. Base officials praised his professionalism, positive attitude, and commitment to his teammates. Details of memorial services will be announced later.