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,' which maintains the base's roads, airfield, and infrastructure. No other personnel were injured. A Safety Board Investigation has been launched, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined by the Santa Barbara Coroner's office. Eneluna joined the military in 2024 and arrived at Vandenberg in August of that year. He was remembered by his commander and unit as a positive, hardworking, and humble airman who brought out the best in others. Eneluna spent his childhood in the Philippines and considered Fayetteville, North Carolina, his hometown. Memorial service details will be announced later.