What rank is identified by eight stripes with a star in the center?

The rank identified by eight stripes with a star in the center is indeed the Chief Master Sergeant. In the Air Force enlisted rank structure, the Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank, denoted by its distinctive insignia that features eight stripes along with a star in the center. This insignia symbolizes the significant leadership and experience that come with this rank, highlighting the Chief Master Sergeant's role as a senior advisor and leader within the enlisted force. The presence of the star indicates not only the rank but also the responsibilities and authority vested in a Chief Master Sergeant, making it a prestigious and respected position within the hierarchy of the Air Force.