Shortly thereafter the squadron undertook its first major operation, to provide support for the atomic test exercise at Desert Rock, Nevada which is still the largest helicopter operation in history. Upon their return, HMR-361 was transferred to the newly established MAG (HR)-36 at MCAF Santa Ana in 1953. On December 31, 1956, the squadron was redesignated HMR(l)-361 and was now flying the HRS-3 helicopter. The Flying Tigers participated in two more atomic bomb testing exercises, beginning in June 1957 and February 1958.