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.

Fathomwerx Innovation Lab - Virtual Tour

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division

Video by Marco Hinahon

June 3, 2021 | 3:24

Fathomwerx Laboratory is in Ventura County, California, which is home to a diverse and geographically rich environment that includes public and private universities, a high technology corridor and Naval
Base Ventura County.

The naval base includes Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island—serving the Pacific Fleet as an all-in-one mobilization site, deep water port, railhead and airfield. The base includes more than 100 tenant commands as well as three major warfare centers (Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division; Naval Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center and Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division).

NavalX Ventura Tech Bridge, one of the Navy’s nationwide Naval Agility (NavalX) network of partners, is at the Fathomwerx laboratory at the Port of Hueneme in Ventura County. Fathomwerx formed in 2019 as a public-private consortium and resource for technical innovation and capability transition. The lab includes 60,000 square feet of space focused on rapid innovation, disruption and audacious projects with support engagement, education, experimentation and assessment designed to connect operational stakeholders with technical subject matter experts who might assist in developing solutions to address operational needs. Through strategic partnerships within the region, the Fathomwerx consortium conducts programs that evaluate developing technologies against operational needs in the port and maritime domains, and suggests pathways for engagement, funding, collaboration and implementation.

Facilities
The lab consists of 20,000 square feet dedicated to testing, prototyping and innovation; and 40,000 square feet of flex spaces for demonstrations, events and exercises.
Lab facilities include:
• Workspaces
• Large tool work stations
• 75,000-gallon above-ground pool for a controlled test environment

Equipment
The lab also houses industrial equipment including:
• 3D plastics and metal printers
• Weather tester
• Microclimate chamber
• Oven and humidity cabinet
• Hazmat cabinets
• Drone Cage

Video Credits:
Marco Hinahon
Michael Darnall
Eric Osborne More