Airman dies in equipment incident at California Space Force base

A U.S. airman died Thursday after heavy equipment he was operating rolled down an embankment at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The Space Force identified the airman Friday as 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, 23, a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight.

No other personnel were injured in the incident, according to a Space Force release. A Safety Board Investigation was launched, and details will not be released until the completion of the investigation.

The Santa Barbara Coroner’s office had not determined the official cause of death as of Friday.

Eneluna joined the military in 2024, and he arrived to his first duty assignment at Vandenberg in August of that year, the release reads.

“Eneluna served with professionalism, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates and the mission,” the release says. “During his assignment at Vandenberg, he earned the respect and admiration of those around him through his positive attitude, tireless work ethic, and willingness to help others.”

Eneluna spent his childhood in the Philippines and referred to Fayetteville, North Carolina, as his hometown.

The 30th Pavements and Equipment Flight unit are known as the “Dirt Boyz” and are tasked with maintaining the base’s roads, airfield and infrastructure in support of the base’s launch, test and range operations.

The “Dirt Boyz” remember Eneluna as a positive influence who made everyone feel welcome, the release says, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

“He brought out the best in everyone,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, 30th CES commander. “He was always ready to work, always willing to help, and always had a positive attitude. He truly represented what it means to be an Airman.”

The base will share details surrounding any upcoming memorial services or recognition on the Central Coast at a later date.