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 Clifford Davis

B-25s Take Off USS Hornet for 1st Tokyo Raid

Naval History and Heritage Command

March 29, 2017 | 9:33

National Archives Footage - B-25s Take Off USS Hornet for 1st Tokyo Raid
Local ID Number: 428-NPC-12472

Creator: Department of Defense. Department of the Navy (Navy Photographic Center)
Produced: 1942

Shot List: 1) DA Wave breaks over bow of cruiser underway. 2) MS-Pan SOC airplane in flight-SV. 3) GV-MS SOC airplane taxis in slick & runs up on recovery sled-SV. 4) MS SOC airplane hoisted from water to deck of cruiser. 5) LS CV underway. 6) MS F4F & SBD approach & land-SV. 7) MS F4F approaches, lands & crashes in barrier. 8) MS SBD approaches, lands & crashes in gun gallery-SV. 9) GV CV underway. 10) CU Adm. Halsey in foul weather gear. 11) LS B-25 taking off from USS HORNET underway, for first Tokyo raid-SV. 12) CU-LS-Pan B-25s in flight-SV. 13) MS Men on deck wave as planes pass overhead. 14) DA Waves break over bow of cruiser in heavy sea (good). 15) LS USS HORNET underway in rough seas. QUALITY: FAIR