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.

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Change of Command

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division

Video by Anthony Powers

Jan. 31, 2025 | 50:56

This video captures the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Change of Command Ceremony held onboard Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla., Jan. 31. Capt. Paul Stence Jr., relived Capt. David Back as commanding officer with Rear Adm. Todd Evans, commander, Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare, serving as the event’s presiding officer and guest speaker.

NSWC PCD, which was established in 1945, consists of more than 1,600 civilians, 1,000 contractors, and 40 military personnel, with an overall business base of $619 million in economic impact. This Navy lab leads the Navy’s full spectrum research, development, test and evaluation, engineering, and fleet support of offensive and defensive systems in the littorals. Our mission areas include Mine Warfare, Naval Special Warfare, Diving and Life Support, Amphibious/Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare, Subsea and Seabed Warfare, and other missions that occur in the littoral or coastal regions. More