Photo By Staff Sgt. Sean Moriarty | U.S. Air Force members stand for a photo during the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility...... read more read more
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U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND – After 24 years, the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, otherwise known as the “Mighty Ocho” was deactivated, transferring port responsibilities of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing on June 13, 2025. Easily identified by its signature image of a billiards 8-ball, the squadron closed its doors with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of a mission that delivered unwavering support to U.S. and coalition operations across the CENTCOM AOR. From executing rapid global mobility to maintaining continuity through turbulent posture shifts, the 8th EAMS left a lasting operational footprint.
The history of the 8th EAMS dates back to its creation in 1944 during World War II. Then it was known as the 8th Air Cargo Resupply Squadron. Since WWII, the moniker has been deactivated, shelved, and reactivated throughout modern American military operations; in 1966 it was reactivated as the 8th Military Airlift Support Squadron and again in 1996 as the 8th Air Mobility Support Squadron. Its most recent mission brought it to Saudi Arabia in 1998 before it was redesignated as the 8th EAMS in 2001. The squadron moved to Qatar in 2003 to support operations in the Middle East and has been there ever since.
“The 8th was activated when it was needed,” said Maj. Robert Kent, 8th EAMS commander, “and now it has fulfilled its purpose.”
Activated in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and other theater-wide efforts, the 8th EAMS was responsible for maintaining and launching air mobility assets critical to sustaining operations across the region. During its tenure, the unit facilitated the movement of thousands of passengers and tens of millions of pounds of cargo—ensuring warfighters had what they needed, when and where they needed it.
Every six months, the 8th moved thousands of people throughout the CENTCOM AOR according to Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Miller, 8th EAMS senior enlisted leader. “That’s in addition to thousands of tons of cargo,” Miller said. “These are supplies that we know have had a direct connection with saving 287 lives.”
The squadron also played a key role in posture transition operations, maintaining 24/7 support through high-tempo contingencies. Whether facing shifting timelines, emergency evacuations or dynamic taskings, the 8th EAMS remained agile, mission-focused and resilient.
“I am blown away by the kind of people we have working here,” said Kent. “These Airmen have some of the hardest jobs on the installation.”
As the guidon was formally cased, signifying the unit’s deactivation, the ceremony served as both an operational milestone and a moment of reflection.
“It will be back in one form or fashion in another theater,” said Kent. “Folks will be supported by it again in the future and the Mighty Ocho will live on.”
A time capsule was created containing memorabilia, awards, flags, and, of course, a plethora of 8-balls. The capsule is scheduled to be sent to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. While the 8th EAMS now returns to the history books, its legacy of mission excellence and service will continue to resonate throughout the Air Mobility Command community.
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| Date Taken: | 07.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.08.2025 06:20 |
| Story ID: | 542109 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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