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 1st Class Samantha Oblander

USS Dewey conducts operations alongside USS Higgins, USS Howard, USS Ralph Johnson, and JS Kongo

Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

March 23, 2024 | 1:18

240324-N-CD453-1001 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 24, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) conducts operations alongside Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Kongo-class destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) in the Philippine Sea, March 24-30. Dewey is forward-deployed and assigned to DESRON 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Samantha Oblander)