With the transfer of the interceptors and no previously qualified aircrew or maintenance personnel assigned the 136th went through a year of transition to the new mission and to achieve operational status. They did so in eight months, the previous "normal" time for the conversion was two years. In 1966 the squadron began a rotational deployment to Ramstein Air Base in support of Operation Creek Party.
The squadron underwent a year-long process of adjustment following the transfer of interceptors, with no prior qualified crew or maintenance staff assigned. They achieved operational readiness in just eight months, a significantly shorter time frame than usual.