 The new assignment involved a change in the Group's training mission to include high-altitude interception, air-to-ground rocketry, ground strafing and tactical bombing.The 139th TFS retained their F-86H Sabres.With air transportation recognized as a critical need, the 109th was redesignated the 109th Air Transport Group (Heavy) on 2 January 1960 and was transferred from TAC to the Military Air Transport Service (MATS).