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 Telfair Brown

Coast Guard Cutter Tampa Commemoration Ceremony

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

Sept. 26, 2018 | 01:00:09

The U.S. Coast Guard Wednesday held a commemoration ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington to remember the loss of all on board the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa when it was torpedoed and sunk Sept. 26, 1918, as it escorted a convoy off the coast of England.
Participating in the ceremony were U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor of Florida, Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Karl Schultz, Coast Guard Chaplain Thomas Walcott, and family members and representatives of the 130 people lost on the Tampa. The crew included four Navy men and 16 British passengers.

"Tampa's crew, like our Coast Guard today, came from all walks of life," said Schultz. "Representing the finest of our nation - a melting pot of ethnicities, nationalities, backgrounds and beliefs. This is who we are as Americans and who our service strives to be: an inclusive team that values every member. Tampa was known for her high morale and outstanding teamwork; she embodied the very best tenets of our service and of our nation." U.S. Coast Guard video by Telfair Brown