Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 42

MALS-49 Detachment B was redesignated MALS-42 (-) on 18 June 1992. MALS-42 consists of a headquarters unit, MALS-42(-), located at NAS Alameda, DET A located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, DET B located at Naval Air Station Norfolk, and DET C located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana. MALS-42 has provided aviation logistical support at CAX during annual training periods, conducted off-site training evolutions at MALS-14, MALS-26 and MALS-39. In 1996, MALS-42 was tasked to draft the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Plan under which a Reserve Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) would be activated to replace an intermediate level maintenance squadron during a Major Regional Conflict (MRC).

MALS-42 was activated 13 February 2003 and assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in order to execute the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). As a unit, MALS-42 remained activated under the FRS until 12 February 2004. September 2003 found MALS-42 in receipt of orders to plan and execute the deployment of an MALS-42 detachment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan as part of HMLA-773 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). As a whole three successive detachments supported combat operations until September 2005. On 29 August 2005, the squadron was called on to support humanitarian relief efforts in support of Hurricane Katrina. Forward deployed personnel participated forward for 30 days and continued to provide maintenance support up through 3 December 2005.