The 23-year-old US Air Force airman died after heavy equipment he was working on collapsed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, The New York Post reported, citing officials.Airman 1st Class Cedric Aneluna was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash Thursday. The Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death, while officials said no one else was injured.The exact cause of the accident is under investigation, and officials have not disclosed the type of equipment involved.A safety investigation board has been convened to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Military leaders paid tribute
In paying tribute to the young Airman, U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horn III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg Space Force Base, said the entire base community is mourning this loss.“Our Vandenberg family is grieving with Cedric’s loved ones and his teammates,” the NYP quoted Horn as saying. “He left a lasting impression on his peers through his character, dedication and genuine care for others.”Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, commander of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, also remembered Aneluna for his positive attitude and commitment to those around him, saying, “He brought out the best in everyone.”
First duty assignment after joining the army
Originally from the Philippines, Aneluna later moved to St. Louis, Missouri. He enlisted in the US Army on March 5, 2024 and Vandenberg was his first duty station.He served in the Pavements and Equipment Flight of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, a unit informally known as the “Dirt Boys”. The team is responsible for maintaining the installation’s roads, airfields and other critical infrastructure that support launch, test and range operations.According to Bess, Aneluna earned the respect of her colleagues through her professionalism, humility and willingness to help others. Teammates described him as someone who welcomed challenges, worked tirelessly and made those around him feel included.
The strategic base plays a vital role in space and missile missions
Located near Lompoc on the central coast of California, Vandenberg Space Force Base is one of the United States’ primary military space ports.The installation supports satellite launches into Earth orbit and tests unarmed intercontinental ballistic missiles, with missions terminating at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.Memorial service details have not yet been announced, officials said. Investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing.