Space Force said that the airman who died in an accident at Vandenberg Space Force Base this week was Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna. Eneluna, 23, was serving as part of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight.
Eneluna, 23, was serving with the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight. He died on Thursday morning around 11:30 a.m. while operating a piece of heavy equipment, which rolled down an embankment on the base.
Space Force did not provide additional details on the accident, but said that the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office has not determined the exact cause of death. No one else was injured in the incident. The accident is currently under investigation.
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“Our Vandenberg family is grieving alongside Cedric’s loved ones and his teammates,” Space Force Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg Space Force Base, said in Space Force’s announcement. “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.”
Enluna, who lived in both the Philippines and Missouri according to the military, joined the armed forces in March 2024. His first duty assignment was to Vandenberg later that year.
“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.” Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, said.
The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, also known as the “Dirt Boyz,” is a mix of military personnel and civilian employees who maintain the infrastructure at Vandenberg’s launch and test facilities. The central California base is one of the main space launch sites in the United States. Commercial and military launches regularly happen at Vandenberg, along with missile testing and other space-related operations.
