. 24/7 Space News .
Air Force Secretary Shares Views On Space Roadmap

File photo: Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche (left) announces the selection of Lockheed Martin, teamed with Northrop Grumman and BAE, to develop and then produce the Joint Strike Fighter at a Pentagon press conference on Oct. 26, 2001. The Joint Strike Fighter is a multi-service, multi-nation, family of warplanes which will be produced in three versions to fit the requirements of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps as well as the British Royal Air Force and Navy. The program is the largest acquisition program in the history of the Department of Defense. Standing to the right of Roche is Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge Jr. DoD photo by R. D. Ward.
by Hap Parker
Los Angeles AFB - Nov 26, 2001
Air Force Secretary James G. Roche has spelled out what he sees as the new space roadmap -- the integration of air and space.

Roche was in Los Angeles Nov. 16 when he addressed military and industry partners at the Air Force Association National Symposium.

"Since I became secretary of the Air Force almost six months ago, I've spent a lot of time on the road, meeting many people across the Air Force, industry and our communities. But wherever I go, I've engaged with folks about how we intend to shape our Air Force so it is poised for the current century," he said.

Roche briefly commented on the situation in Afghanistan and said that America is united in a war for liberty and "for all of the same freedoms and values that mark our manner of life."

He went on to say that in the months ahead he will continue the enormously important work to make changes that are necessary to adapt and strengthen the air and space contributions to the national defense.

"It seems to me, as we look at space and the future of the Air Force, our performance in the space arena will prove to be a key indicator of how well the Air Force as a whole will fulfill our responsibilities for the 21st century," he said.

With that in mind, Roche singled out four general categories he will focus on: strategy, people, efficiency and the industrial base.

He said his first priority is to work with his colleagues to adjust strategic parameters to fit the challenges and opportunities of a new security environment.

Then, as part of the overall imperative to attract and retain the best people in a high-technology world, he will accelerate efforts to developing a space cadre for the Air Force. "And this includes developing a career progression, educational opportunities and other tangible measures of affirmation that capitalize on the brilliance and expertise of our airmen and civilians," he said.

His third priority is to recognize how we must be efficient and cost-effective, in part by looking to best business practices and processes in acquisition programs and operations.

"We simply must find ways to get more out of our space assets -- through horizontal integration of systems, best practices and smarter management of the information we obtain from space systems."

He said that employing space assets seamlessly with air and ground will enhance the conduct of global operations.

"Finally," Roche said, "there is the critical need our nation faces to provide more incentive in industry for innovation. Over the past several years, the number of suppliers to the Air Force missions in space has dwindled from the double digits to only a handful.

"If we can begin to solve these issues in the space domain, we will be well on our way to completing the transformation of the Air Force we began years ago, and which our president and (Defense) Secretary (Donald) Rumsfeld have envisioned for the future."

Roche said he will stay the course with these efforts, even as the Air Force continues to patrol the skies over Iraq for Northern and Southern Watch, protects the airspace above America, conducts combat operations over Afghanistan and provides humanitarian support to people all over the world.

"It is a great day to be an American, with many of the dividing lines and distinctions between us all fading away," Roche concluded. "It is a great day to be an airman in today's Air Force, with an incredible sense of purpose and knowledge of our place in history. It is also a great day to be a part of the Air Force family. I want to thank you for your support to the Air Force and our mission. We cannot do it without you."

Related Links
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express

A Ground Up Approach To Space
Maxwell AFB (AFNS) Aug 20, 2001
Nothing like what he is doing now has ever been done before. There is little history to it. It is being developed from the ground up. And everyone is watching. That's why Maj. Smokey Reddoch, a doctrine writer for space operations, wants to ensure what he is doing now creates a legacy for the 37,200 airmen he serves in Air Force Space Command and for the armed services as a whole.



Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only














The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.