Leaving Boston in January 1944, escorted by the destroyer , "Canberra" sailed to Pearl Harbor via San Diego, and joined Task Force 58 in mid-February. In late February, the ship provided bombardment support during the Battle of Eniwetok. During March and April, the cruiser formed part of the carrier task group, supporting the aircraft carrier during air raids on Palaus, Yap, Ulithi, and Woleai during 31 March and 1 April. On 13 April, "Canberra" was again escorting when "Yorktown"s aircraft provided support to amphibious landings at Hollandia and Wakde. From 29 April to 1 May, the cruiser was attached to the group for air attacks on Truk; during the operation, "Canberra" detached to shell a Japanese airbase at Satawan. The cruiser was involved in raids on Marcus and Wake Islands during May, and in June joined operations to capture the Mariana and Palau Islands. As part of this campaign, "Canberra" participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and shelled Japanese bases in the Bonin Islands. During August and September, the ship performed raids on the Palaus and the Philippines, provided support during the Morotai landings.