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 Darrell Sydnor

445th AW Honors Victims of 9/11

445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Sept. 11, 2021 | 41:04

The 445th Airlift Wing commemorates 20 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001. We honor our servicemembers and others who gave their lives including Major Leroy Homer, former 445th pilot and First Officer of United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed into a field in Pennsylvania instead of its intended target of the US Capital. We honor the courage of first responders including Master Sergeant Jason Thomas of the 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron who shared his personal experiences today. Thomas was was instrumental in search and rescue efforts at ground zero that led to the rescue of 2 police officers. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Darrell Sydnor)