After returning from England, the unit re-formed at Louisville.
 Because most jet aircraft were still in USAF use, the squadron received F-51D Mustangs and initially returned to its pre-federalization air defense mission,  being designated as a Fighter-Interceptor unit.
  However, with the F-51s, the Kentucky Air National Guard was limited to daylight training only.

On 1 January 1953, the Group was transferred to Tactical Air Command jurisdiction and re-equipped with refurbished F-86A Sabre air superiority fighter.
  With the switchover to TAC, the unit designation was changed to "Fighter-Bomber".
After returning from England, the unit re-formed at Louisville.  Because most jet aircraft were still in USAF use, the squadron received F-51D Mustangs and initially returned to its pre-federalization air defense mission,  being designated as a Fighter-Interceptor unit.   However, with the F-51s, the Kentucky Air National Guard was limited to daylight training only.
On 1 January 1953, the Group was transferred to Tactical Air Command jurisdiction and re-equipped with refurbished F-86A Sabre air superiority fighter.   With the switchover to TAC, the unit designation was changed to "Fighter-Bomber".
165th Airlift Squadron