Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

“I’m extremely proud of the Space Force and all the good it has accomplished. But, as good as we are, as much as we’ve done, as far as we’ve come, it’s not enough. We are not yet optimized for Great Power Competition.”

~ Chief of Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a direct response to threats arising from Great Power Competition in the space domain. Nevertheless, our legacy roots leave us sub-optimized for the security environment confronting us today, and we must finish fine-tuning the service to continue meeting its National Defense Strategy responsibilities

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

The space domain is no longer benign; it has rapidly become congested and contested.

We must enhance our capabilities, develop Guardians for modern warfare, prepare for the high intensity fight, and strengthen our power projection to thrive and win in this new era of Great Power Competition.

Video by Travis Troller

Carderock B-Roll Highlight Reel (FY25)

Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division

Dec. 19, 2025 | 4:04

A video montage with highlights of key events and technological milestones from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division during fiscal year 2025. The footage includes:

- The Stiletto Program: A demonstration of the cost-effective platform designed to deliver combat systems to the warfighter at an accelerated rate, drastically improving mission readiness through rapid prototyping.

- Advanced Measurement Campaign High Reynolds Number Prolate Spheroid (HIPRO): A showcase of cross-collaboration between Carderock and university partners featuring state-of-the-art towing tank testing and high-precision measurements.

- 18th International Submarine Races (ISR 18): Highlights from the biennial competition that serves as a real-world crucible for aspiring naval engineers, providing hands-on problem-solving opportunities to develop critical domestic, scientific, and engineering talent for the Navy and America’s Maritime Industrial Base.

Carderock, the Navy’s ship design and innovation powerhouse, provides the technical foundation for the future fleet through world-class research, development, and testing. (U.S. Navy video by Travis Troller)