Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

Air Force FAQ for Reoptimizing Great Power Competition

“We need these changes now; we are out of time to reoptimize our forces to meet the strategic challenges in a time of great power competition.”

~ Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall

The United States faces a time of consequence marked by significant shifts in the strategic environment. To remain ready, the U.S. Air Force must change.

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.

Today, the Air Force once again finds itself at a critical juncture—an era of Great Power Competition marked by a new security environment, a rapidly evolving character of war, and a formidable competitor. This new era requires understanding its challenges and the attributes needed to succeed.

Embracing change is not a choice; it is a necessity. The Air Force must “reoptimize” into an enterprise prepared for high-end conflicts and long-term strategic competition.

USACE Chief of Engineers signs Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement Study Report

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

Video by Mark Rankin

Aug. 14, 2024 | 1:33

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General and 55th Chief of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon signed the Chief’s Report Aug. 14, 2024, for the Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement Study in a ceremony at USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C. today.

The purpose of the Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement Study is to reduce marine transportation costs and operational inefficiencies for tankers, bulk carriers, and general cargo ships using Tampa Harbor and improve navigation efficiency within the Federal Tampa Navigation Channels.

The three-year study, which began with the signing of a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement between the Jacksonville District and Port Tampa Bay, the non-federal sponsor, in Aug. 2021, was designed to reduce marine transportation costs and increase transportation efficiencies in the Tampa Harbor Federal Navigation Channel.

The Chief’s Report details USACE’s plan to create future desirable conditions, including reducing the frequency of maintenance dredging intervals, expanding habitat through the beneficial use of dredged materials, and creating economic efficiencies by providing material for port infrastructure and public projects.

With the signing of the Chief’s Report, the study’s recommended plan will begin the process of federal review and congressional consideration for inclusion in future Water Resources Development Act legislation to fund implementation.

The Tampa Harbor Federal Navigation Project includes roughly 70 miles of channels from the Gulf of Mexico entrance at the Egmont Bar north to the City of Tampa, including Hillsborough River, Alafia River, and the Upper Channels.

Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port in cargo tonnage and land area. It serves as a major cruise port and services a diverse mix of bulk, break-bulk, container commodities, and energy products that serves Florida. The port contributes over $17 billion in economic impact supporting more than 85,000 jobs. The Tampa Harbor Federal Navigation Channel was last deepened to 43 feet and in some areas 47 feet.

To learn more about the project, visit https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Tampa-Harbor/ More