"Howorth" arrived off Leyte on 22 October, three days after the initial landings began. She guarded the transport anchorages during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and did not see direct action during the battle. "Howorth" made several convoy trips to Kossol Roads, Guam, and Manus, before returning to the Philippines for the battle at Ormoc on 7 December 1944. "Howorth" also participated in the Battle of Mindoro, during which she was attacked by several kamikazes, one of which slightly damaged "Howorth"s mast before the plane crashed into the sea.