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 Seaman Megan Alexander

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Conducts Multiple Carrier Strike Group Operations

USS Carl Vinson

Oct. 3, 2021 | 4:49

211003-N-YN807-1001 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 3, 2021) Ships transit the Philippine Sea during a multinational exercise with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Oct. 3, 2021. The United Kingdom’s carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces led by (JMSDF) Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182); Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338); Royal Netherlands Navy’s HNLMS Evertsen (F 805); Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Te Kaha (F 77) and U.S. Navy carrier strike groups led by flagships USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), conducted multiple carrier strike group operations in the Philippine Sea. The integrated at-sea operations brought together more than 15,000 Sailors across six nations to demonstrate an unmatched network of alliances and partnerships in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Megan Alexander)