 By late 1942, Ash Island, although fairly typical of small RAAF stations on the coast, had become a permanent radar post and the operating staff was at full strength (two Commanding Officers, 25 RAAF and 22 Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF)).On 16 December 1942, 131 Radar Station commenced 24-hour watch and by the end of January 1943, the new Mark V transmitter and receiver, the latest equipment and technology from Canada, arrived at Ash Island in preparation for the construction of galvanized "Doover" huts (a half-mile north west of the camp) to house the station.By February 1943, the WAAAF complement at 131 Radar Station outnumbered the RAAF contingent for the first time and included many of the first group of WAAAF radar operators trained at Richmond.