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 Mark Rankin

Thurmond Lake recreation areas closed due to Hurricane Helene damage

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

Feb. 6, 2025 | 1:53

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Aerial video of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake shows extensive damages to the campground areas damages caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. A majority of the 51 Corps of Engineers-operated recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake are closed through the 2025 season and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene.
The damage included 500,000 cubic yards of downed trees, more than 21,000 leaning trees and 2,000 stumps, in addition to damaged buildings and other infrastructure. The hazardous debris and conditions rendered many areas inaccessible.
All existing campground and picnic shelter reservations will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be waived. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)