On 26 March, "Wichita", assigned to Task Force 39, departed the United States to reinforce the British Home Fleet based in Scapa Flow. Task Force 39, commanded by Rear Admiral John W. Wilcox, Jr., included "Wasp", the battleship , the cruiser "Tuscaloosa", and eight destroyers. While en route, Wilcox was swept overboard in a heavy sea and lost. Rear Admiral Robert C. Giffen, who flew his flag in "Wichita", took command of the task force. After arriving in Scapa Flow, "Wichita" and the other American ships spent several weeks training with their British counterparts. On 28 April, "Wichita" departed on her first major operation with the British. She was assigned to the Allied escort for the Arctic convoys QP 11 and PQ 15. The American component, organized as Task Force 99, comprised "Washington", "Wichita", "Tuscaloosa", and four destroyers. The British assigned the carrier , the battleship , a light cruiser, and five destroyers. After successfully escorting the convoys, "Wichita" returned to Hvalfjörður, arriving on 6 May.