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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Jackie Hart

DD 993 Barry

All Hands Magazine

May 7, 2016 | 1:14

Display Ship Barry is towed down the Anacostia River for dismantling. Barry was decommissioned in 1982 and became a permanent public display ship in 1984. After more than 30 years as the display ship at WNY and its ineligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, Barry was designated for disposal last year. The ship must be removed before renovation of Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge as current plans call for a fixed-span bridge that would landlock the ship.

The ship is scheduled to be towed to the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia to await its dismantling.