Airman killed in heavy equipment accident at California base

A 23-year-old Airman assigned to Vandenberg Space Force Base died after the heavy equipment he was operating rolled down an embankment on base, military officials announced Friday. Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna was operating the equipment when the accident occurred Thursday, according to Vandenberg officials.  He was pronounced dead at the scene, and no one else was injured. The Santa Barbara County Coroner's Office has not yet determined his official cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by a Department of the Air Force Safety Investigation Board, and base officials said additional details will be withheld until the investigation is complete. Eneluna, who was raised in the Philippines and later called St. Louis, Missouri, home, enlisted in the Air Force in March 2024 and arrived at Vandenberg later that year for his first duty assignment. He served with the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron's Pavements and Equipment Flight, a unit known as the "Dirt Boyz." The specialized heavy equipment operators are responsible for maintaining roads, runways and other infrastructure across the installation. At Vandenberg, they also make up the base's unique fire dozer team, which builds and maintains hundreds of miles of fire breaks to help protect the installation from wildfires. "Our Vandenberg family is grieving alongside Cedric's loved ones and his teammates," Space Launch Delta 30 Commander Col. James T. Horne III said in a statement. "He made a lasting impression on his teammates through his character, dedication and genuine care for others. On behalf of Team Vandenberg, I extend my deepest condolences to Cedric's family, friends and fellow Airmen during this incredibly difficult time." Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, commander of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, remembered Eneluna as someone who "brought out the best in everyone," saying he was always ready to work, willing to help and maintained a positive attitude. Base officials said memorial service details have not yet been announced and additional information will be released as the investigation continues.