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 Benjamin Lewis

Operation Sundown: COMCAM Disestablishment

Fleet Combat Camera Pacific

Aug. 28, 2018 | 8:17

Fleet Combat Camera Pacific, first known as Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group, was established in 1951. Three years after the outbreak of the Korean War, Cmdr. Frederick A. Spencer, a former combat photographer, was ordered to active duty and told to “form and direct combat photo crews.” From combat in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, to humanitarian aid missions, multi-national exercises, NASA operations, joint-special operational forces documentation, aerial and underwater imagery gathering, Combat Camera Sailors have documented history, providing the Fleet, U.S. Armed Forces, and the public with the highest level of imagery of worldwide events. Trained in advanced photography, video techniques and combat tactics, combat cameramen were ready to deploy worldwide for any situation at a moment’s notice. After more than 50 years, Combat Camera disestablished September 30, 2018, ending a legacy of excellence. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin A. Lewis)