On 4 September 1944, "Southard" rendezvoused with a task force off Guadalcanal, arrived in the Palau Islands on 12 September 1944, and swept mines off the coasts of Peleliu and Anguar in preparation for the invasion of Peleliu on 15 September 1944 and of Angaur on 17 September 1944. On 24 September 1944, she fueled and replenished at Manus in the Admiralty Islands, then returned to the Palaus for patrols and screening duties. She reentered Seeadler Harbor on 4 October 1944 to prepare for the invasion of the Philippines at Leyte.