In recognition of his exceptional performance as a commander and fighter pilot, Mölders was promoted to "Hauptmann" (captain) on 18 October 1938, effective as of 1 October 1938. He claimed his 14th and final confirmed aerial victory of the conflict by downing a Polikarpov I-16 "Rata" near Mola on 3 November 1938. On 5 December, he passed on command of 3. "Staffel" to Hubertus von Bonin and flew from La Cenia back to Germany on a Junkers Ju 52. From 6 December 1938 until March 1939, Mölders was a member of the 1st group of "Jagdgeschwader" 133 (JG 133) and held a staff position with the Inspector of Fighters at the Ministry of Aviation in Berlin. His task was to devise new fighter pilot tactics. In March 1939 he was given command as "Staffelkapitän" of 1./JG 133, taking over command from "Oberleutnant" Hubertus von Bonin. JG 133 was later renamed "Jagdgeschwader" 53 "Pik As" ("Ace of Spades").