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 Keith DeVinney

U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft search for MH370

U.S. Navy

April 13, 2014 | 1:02

PERTH Australia (April, 2014) U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, operate out of Perth Airport, Australia, to fly missions over the Indian Ocean in support of the international effort to locate Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. The aircraft's advanced radar capabilities allow the crew to recognize and investigate small contacts on the water's surface. The crew uses the onboard camera system, as well as a multitude of sensors, to investigate the contacts. (U.S. Navy video by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Keith DeVinney/Released)

*This is a compilation of three days missions (April 1, 12 and 13, 2014). The video was edited to provide clarity of sequence of events.