 The 181st was re-equipped with the Very Long Range F-51H Mustang, which had been developed to escort Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers in the Pacific Theater.The F-51H would allow the squadron to intercept any unidentified aircraft over any part of Texas.In September 1952, the squadron became the 181st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
With the 136th Fighter-Bomber Group's release from active duty in July 1952, the squadron was again assigned to it.