 The 42nd Bombardment Group was first activated at Fort Douglas, Utah on 15 January 1941, drawing its cadre from the 7th Bombardment Group.Its original squadrons were the 75th, 76th and 77th Bombardment Squadrons and the 16th Reconnaissance Squadron, which was attached to the group.During its time at Fort Douglas, the group was without aircraft and spent its time in ground training and adding personnel to bring it up to strength.