Officials identify Airman killed in incident at Vandenberg Space Force Base

An airman stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base died after the heavy equipment he operated rolled down an embankment, military officials said Friday.

Airman 1st Class Cedric Eneluna, 23, belonged to the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Pavements and Equipment Flight, also known as “Dirt Boyz.”

While not firefighters, the Dirt Boyz chore means they work with them to create fire breaks.

Eneluna, who spent his childhood in the Philippines and called St. Louis, Missouri, home, enlisted in the military on March 5, 2024. He arrived at Vandenberg, his first duty assignment, on Aug. 2, 2024.

Vandenberg representatives said Eneluna served with “professionalism, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates and the mission.” They also noted his positive attitude, tireless work ethic and willingness to help others.

“Our Vandenberg family is grieving alongside Cedric’s loved ones and his teammates,” said U.S. Space Force Col. James Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg. “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.”

As one of the Dirt Boyz, Eneluna willingly offered a helping hand, providing a positive influence who approached every challenge, Vandenberg officials said.

“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.”

A Safety Investigation Board was convened after the incident as the Department of Air Force seeks to determine the cause and possible steps needed to prevent repeat accidents.

Details regarding any memorial service or recognition on the Central Coast are not yet finalized and will be shared at a later date.

The official cause of death has not been determined by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau.

Additional details will be withheld until the completion of the investigation, according to Vandenberg representatives.

Air Force heavy equipment operators perform various tasks, including building and repairing runways, paving roads and handling concrete and asphalt operations.

Officials did not say where on base the incident occurred or the purpose.

At Vandenberg, the specialized heavy equipment operators also make up the unique fire dozer team. On Friday, the Vandenberg fire dozer team patch with a black mourning band circulated online.

The team members work to build fire breaks as a precaution, maintaining a 235-mile network of fire breaks and access roads across the 100,000-acre installation. The 8-foot-wide stretches cleared of dry brush and other vegetation can help stop a fire’s path.

The team of airmen and civilians, who are not firefighters, still sport fire-resistant uniforms, helmets and gloves while carrying a fire shelter designed to be deployed to protect individuals from smoke, heat and flames.

The dozer operators also regularly respond to fires off base, including the 2016 Sherpa Fire, as part of the strike team made up of members from multiple fire departments in Santa Barbara County.

Like the specialized crew of wildland firefighters known as the Vandenberg Hotshots, the fire dozer crew is the only one in the Department of Air Force.

The death of the Vandenberg fire dozer operator came 49 years after another died in the Honda Canyon Fire on the South Base. Clarence McCauley, a dozer operator, was badly burned in the blaze and died two weeks later.

McCauley marked the fourth death from the firestorm, which also claimed the life of Col. Joseph Bell, base commander, Fire Chief Billy Bell and Assistant Chief Gene Cooper.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 10:07 AM with the headline "Officials identify Airman killed in incident at Vandenberg Space Force Base."