On May 1, 1957, the squadron received a change in its federal mission from night to day photography and continued to operate in this capacity until November 15, 1957, when the unit was redesignated as the 183d Aeromedical Transport Squadron (Light). The RB-26 aircraft was replaced by six Fairchild c-119 Flying Boxcars. This was the First time this aircraft had been assigned to an Air Guard unit.

The c-119 Flying Boxcar, developed form the Fairchild C-82 Packet, a twin-engine, twin-boom, twin-tail transport designed to carry cargo, personnel, litter patients, and mechanized equipment. The C-119 could carry up to 62 fully equipped troops or a 30,000 pound cargo load.

This was the first conversion aircraft assigned to the unit and it expanded the mission capabilities of the 183d. The new mission brought another significant change when the unit became the first Mississippi Guard organization to accept women as service members.

Big changes were on the way by 1961, as plans for a new airport were on the drawing board. The government leased 64 acres of land in Rankin County form the City of Jackson for the new Air Guard complex.