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 2nd Class Michael Raney

79th Shimoda Black Ship Festival Wreath Laying Ceremony B-Roll

AFN Yokosuka

May 18, 2018 | 6:34

Dignitaries of Japan and Leadership of the US 7th Fleet come together to lay wreaths on the graves of US sailors that were part of Commadore Perry’s Fleet as part of the opening events of the 79th Black Ship Festival. The 79th Shimoda Black Ship Festival promotes peaceful relations between the Japanese and American people and commemorates the 164th anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan in 1854, an event which marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Raney and MC1 Anthony Martinez/Released)