It was first formed in February 1943, and commanded RAAF radar stations in north Queensland and the south coast of Dutch New Guinea until being disbanded in October 1944.

[3] As well as controlling their activities, the wing headquarters coordinated the movement of replacement personnel, medical services, mail and supplies to the stations.

In addition, the wing established new stations and moved existing units in consultation with the local operational RAAF commands in the area.

42 Wing as part of the process of introducing the RAAF's six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft into service.

This unit is located at RAAF Base Edinburgh and operated two Lockheed AP-3C(EW) Orions that had been modified for an electronic warfare role until December 2023.

[10] The two AP-3C(EW) Orion electronic warfare aircraft flew their final mission in December 2023 and the type has been retired from service.