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 Senior Airman Tylon Chapman

Crossover at Kinnick flyover

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Oct. 15, 2023 | 2:20

B-roll video shows the view from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker performing a flyover at the Crossover at Kinnick, Iowa Women’s outdoor basketball game in Iowa City on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

The historic venue for the Iowa Air National Guard pregame flyover featured a refueling aircraft from the Iowa Air National Guard passing over the University of Iowa’s football stadium where the event was held.

The 185th Air Refueling Wing was invited to perform the flyover as the Iowa Hawkeye women took on the Blue Demons from Depual in Iowa City.

The home team flyover is thrilling for unit members who had a chance to be a part of the excitement of Big Ten basketball.

Before returning to Sioux City the KC-135 aircrew made the two-hour round trip to Iowa City where they made a low pass over Kinnick Stadium in the air refueling aircraft.

Demonstrations like Sunday’s flight allow pilots to combine regular training with aerial demonstrations. The event also happed to coincide with the Air Guard unit’s scheduled October training weekend.

Flying demonstrations like the one on Sunday are part of the U.S. Air Force aerial events program that are designed to incorporate training activities with aerial demonstrations. These events also help foster unit morale and contribute to community support.

Lower Thirds:

1st Lieutenant Jack Reis
185th ARW Pilot