The leaders reaffirmed the department’s commitment to reoptimize the DAF for Great Power Competition, counter challenges from near-peer adversaries, and continue to ensure Air Force and Space Force readiness. 
 
Continue reading for a synopsis of DAF senior leader keynotes and panel discussions. 
 
Kendall highlights accomplishments, urgency to finish transitioning to Great Power Competition 
 
During his keynote address on Sept. 16, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the Air Force and Space Force.  

Emphasizing the urgency of preparing for potential conflicts, especially with rising threats from China and ongoing issues in the Middle East and with Russia, he detailed key initiatives aimed at enhancing capabilities and readiness. Kendall outlined significant strides in space systems, command and control, and advanced aircraft development among others, while stressing the need for continued resource support from Congress.  

He closed his keynote by reaffirming his commitment to the personnel of the Department of the Air Force, expressing gratitude for their dedication and promising to work hard to secure the necessary resources for future success. 

He outlined four key focus areas: projecting power, generating readiness, developing personnel, and enhancing capabilities. He also highlighted various Air Force initiatives including the activation of the Integrated Capabilities Command to streamline modernization efforts.  

Allvin called for urgent action and integration from the start of projects, echoing Secretary Frank Kendall’s message about the need for immediate progress. He stressed the importance of large-scale exercises to prepare for potential conflicts and underscored the Air Force’s historical adaptability to new threats, asserting that if called to action, the Air Force remains ready and capable of achieving victory. 

At the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2024 conference, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi emphasized the vital role of Airmen in achieving mission success, describing them as the key competitive advantage the Air Force has over its adversaries.  

He highlighted their contributions to operational readiness in critical areas like the Indo-Pacific and stressed the importance of innovation in navigating the complex global security landscape, particularly amid threats from adversaries, such as People’s Republic of China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, and Russia.  

Flosi called for every Airman to remain committed, asserting that their preparedness is vital in delivering effective airpower and deterring potential conflicts, while urging attendees to recognize the immediacy of these threats and prioritize creating conditions for success. 

Although the Space Force is less than five years old, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman stressed the need for continued evolution and innovation.  

He highlighted the urgency of adapting to the challenges of Great Power Competition, noting that space is now recognized as a warfighting domain where U.S. superiority cannot be taken for granted. Saltzman outlined a transformation plan involving four key areas: force design, development, generation, and employment.  

He introduced SPAFORGEN to balance daily operations with necessary training for readiness. Saltzman also announced the establishment of Space Futures Command to enhance collaboration within the service and with allies, emphasizing the integration of international partners is key to future success and interoperability. 

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna outlined three key initiatives and introduced a new enlisted roadmap during his keynote.  

Recognizing almost a year in his role, he focused on enhancing the “Guardian Experience” through initiatives titled Elevate the Journey, Cultivate the Warfighter, and Create the Future.  

Bentivegna emphasized the importance of providing a meaningful quality of life for Guardians and their families, incorporating their insights into decision-making, while also stressing the need for Guardians to adopt a warfighting mindset amid evolving threats in space. 

Department of Defense leaders discuss the future of Air Force nuclear deterrent systems 
 
Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton and other Department of Defense leaders, including Gen. Anthony Cotton, U.S. Strategic Command Commander, and Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command Commander, discussed the modernization of the Air Force’s nuclear deterrent systems. 
 
Dalton emphasized the importance of transitioning from the Minuteman III to the new LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM system as essential for national defense. Bussiere and Cotton elaborated on the significance of the U.S. nuclear triad in ensuring strategic deterrence, highlighting the historical reliability of ICBMs since 1962. 
 
The leaders acknowledged the complex challenges involved in maintaining operational capability during this transition, stressing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to nuclear deterrence amidst ongoing Great Power Competition.