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 U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Snackable Science: NRL Hydrogen Technology Supporting Marine Corps

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Dec. 5, 2023 | 2:29

Did you know that hydrogen may be the next major fuel source for our warfighters?

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) are collaborating with other DOD agencies to make that a reality. Rick Stroman leads a team at NRL that developed a new hydrogen fuel cell that is being used to power the Stalker UAS.

"Hydrogen crosses across all fields and all agencies, said Ben Gould, Department of Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Officer. So it's going to be very important for the Department of Energy, the Navy and DoD to all work together. This is an all hands on deck kind of problem. No one department can do it by itself. So it's really important for us to have events like this where we can coordinate and like share lessons learned and talk."

The demonstration was a success. Rick Stroman, head of NRL’s Alternative Energy Section, and his team see a bright future ahead for hydrogen fuel.

"We are providing technology that meets the needs of the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense, said Stroman. We are also pushing the envelope in developing technologies that have real environmental benefits. From a personal perspective, I think national defense and reducing our environmental footprint are both very important to me."

For media inquiries contact: nrlpao@nrl.navy.mil

For more information visit: https://www.nrl.navy.mil