42nd Tactical Missile Squadron

The 42d Tactical Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit, formed in 1985 by the consolidation of two units. The first is the 2d Search Attack Squadron, which tested antisubmarine warfare tactics and equipment at Langley Field, Virginia during World War II. The second is the 942d Forward Air Control Squadron, which was activated following the Korean War, but does not appear to have been equipped or manned. The consolidated squadron has not been active.

History

World War II

The first predecessor of the squadron was activated at Langley Field, Virginia as the 2d Search Attack Squadron. The squadron was primarily equipped with Douglas B-18 Bolos. It tested electronic equipment and trained crews for its use in antisubmarine operations; antisubmarine patrols, July 1942 until late 1943."

Cold War

The second predecessor of the squadron is the 942d Forward Air Control Squadron, which was activated as the Korean War was ending in June 1953. With the end of the war the following month, it apparently was not manned or equipped until it was inacrivated in March 1954.
The two squadrons were consolidated in September 1985 as the 42d Tactical Missile Squadron.

Lineage

; 2d Search Attack Unit

Constituted as the 2d Search Attack Squadron on 8 June 1942

; 942d Forward Air Control Squadron

Constituted as the 942d Forward Air Control Squadron on 18 March 1953

Assignments

1st Sea-Search Attack Group, 17 June 1942 – 10 April 1944

Stations

Langley Field, Virginia, 17 June 1942 – 10 April 1944 operated from: Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, 17–23 August 1942; Rdinburgh Field, Trinidad, 20 September-21 October 1942
Chunchon Air Base, South Korea, 20 Jun 1953-8 Mar 1954