 As a unit, MALS-42 remained activated until 12 February 2004.September 2004 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.