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 Airman 1st Class Julia Ahaesy

101st Intelligence Squadron celebrates 100 years of Seagull Emblem

102nd Intelligence Wing

June 14, 2024 | 1:24

The 101st Intelligence Squadron conducted an open ranks inspection on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, June 14, 2024. Squadron leadership organized the inspection to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the squadron emblem, the longest continuously used patch in the U.S. Air Force.

The seagull patch was designed by Paul Seavey of New Bedford in 1924 and painted on every squadron aircraft throughout the unit’s history. The blue of the patch represents the water of the Boston Harbor when the squadron was stationed at Logan International Airport. The gold represents good luck to the squadron's men and women. The iconic seagull represents the squadron's capabilities, whether it supports an aviation or intelligence mission.

“The seagull is known for resilience in itself,” said Lt. Col. Michael Kelley, 101st Intelligence Squadron commander. “It can handle all New England weather and can be a bit of a scavenger when it needs to be. It has keen eyesight, which nods to all the units and squadrons it has represented.”

The open ranks inspection was conducted while the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group returned to the mission.

(Air National Guard video by Airman 1st Class Julia Ahaesy)