After an overhaul at Eniwetok, "Cowell" put to sea 29 August 1944 with Task Group 36.5 (TG 38.5) for air strikes on the western Carolines, the Philippines and the Palaus, and the Manila and Subic Bay area, as well as to support the landings on Morotai on 15 September. She arrived at Manus on 28 September to replenish, then sortied 2 October supporting air strikes on Okinawa, Luzon, and Formosa preparing for the Leyte assault. When and were torpedoed in heavy Japanese air attacks on 13 and 14 October, "Cowell" stood by to furnish light, power, and pumping facilities as the cripples slowly retired from the danger area. She rejoined her task force to sail for the far-flung Battle for Leyte Gulf, and aircraft from her carriers were in time to launch telling strikes against the retreating Japanese ships. "Cowell" returned to Ulithi 28 October for patrol and training duty until 26 December when she sailed for Seattle and an overhaul.