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 Chief Petty Officer John Scorza

Los Angeles Fleet Week Opening Ceremony

Navy Region Southwest

Aug. 28, 2018 | 10:39

180828-N-NB544-0123 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Navy leadership, led by Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, Los Angeles Fleet week (LAFW) representatives, and sponsors gather for a group photo during the LAFW 2018 opening ceremony held at the World Cruise Terminal in San Pedro. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)

180828-N-NB544-0117 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Lt. Cmdr. Eric Bloomberg, USS SCOUT (MCM 8) commanding officer, accepts a Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) participation plaque presented by Los Angeles Port Harbor Commissioner, Lucia Moreno-Linares during LAFW’s opening ceremony. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)

180828-N-NB544-0110 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Royal Canadian Cmdr. Alex Barlow, HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) commanding officer, accepts a Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) participation plaque presented by Los Angeles Port Harbor Commissioner, Lucia Moreno-Linares during LAFW’s opening ceremony. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)

180828-N-NB544-0105 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Cmdr. Paul Lorio, USS Dewey (DDG 105) commanding officer, accepts a Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) participation plaque presented by Los Angeles Port Harbor Commissioner, Lucia Moreno-Linares during LAFW’s opening ceremony. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)

180828-N-NB544-0100 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, accepts a Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) participation plaque presented by Los Angeles Port Harbor Commissioner, Lucia Moreno-Linares during LAFW’s opening ceremony. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)

180828-N-NB544-0093 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, makes his opening remarks during the Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) opening ceremony. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)

180828-N-NB544-0081 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, makes his opening remarks during the Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) opening ceremony. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)

180828-N-NB544-0043 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2018) Four Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) participation plaques sit on a table in front of USS Dewey (DDG 105) just before they are presented by Los Angeles Port Harbor Commissioner, Lucia Moreno-Linares during LAFW’s opening ceremony. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)