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 Master Sgt. Eric Miller

Tribute to Major General Robert A. Knauff

174th Attack Wing

May 1, 2015 | 10:09

Video Tribute to Major General Robert A. Knauff. The 108th Attack Squadron (ATKS) officially opened its newly renovated Formal Training Unit (FTU) facility today on Hancock Field where it will train MQ-9 sensor operators, pilots and mission coordinators. The building was named in honor of the late Major General Robert A. Knauff, who served as the 174th Wing Commander from 1996 to 2003. Knauff is credited with initiating the wings transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper.

Prior to his retirement in 2009, Knauff served as the Commander of the New York Air National Guard. He commanded the 6,000-member New York Air National Guard and served as deputy commander of the 17,000 men and women of the New York Army and Air National Guard. He was a combat veteran with more than 3,900 flying hours while piloting a variety of aircrafts including the F-106 Delta Dagger, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon and OV-10 observation aircraft.

A 1975 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Gen. Knauff completed undergraduate pilot training in 1976. In the years following, he undertook a series of flying and command assignments culminating with his duty at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs in Latham, NY.
Knauff's awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, and the New York State Defense of Liberty Medal.

The new facility will allow the 108th ATKS to increase the number of aircrew students being trained at the base. Renovation operations for the 15, 656 square foot facility began on May 12, 2014. Construction to convert the former F-16 avionics building to the 108th ATKS FTU facility was completed on March 9th of this year. The building was renovated at a cost of $3.5 million saving taxpayers approximately $2.5 - 3.5 million dollars when compared to the constructions costs of a new building.

(New York Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Eric Miller/released)
— at 174th Attack Wing.