Assigned to the 7th Fleet, she screened for the southern landings on Leyte 20 October. While escorting unloaded transports bound for Hollandia, New Guinea, she splashed one plane 24 October. Upon news of the Battle off Samar Island, "Picking" rushed to provide protection. She and splashed one plane on 25 October. After the Battle for Leyte Gulf, she escorted and to Manus Island and returned to Leyte 20 November to protect Allied convoys bringing reinforcements.