In February the first carrier strikes against Truk occurred. "Gatling" provided fire support during the raid and screened the flattops during raids on the Marianas a few days later. In March she joined in the attack on Emirau Island and at the beginning of April in the air strikes against the Palau Archipelago. Steaming south to strike Hollandia, Wakde Airfield, Sawar Airfield and Sarmi, Western New Guinea, the task force supported Army landings at Aitape, Tanahmerah Bay, and Humboldt Bay from 21 to 26 April. During this action, "Gatling" stood radar picket duty and directed fighter planes. After new attacks on Truk late April 1944, "Gatling" supported the invasion and occupation of the Marianas from 10 June to 5 July. In the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 and 20 July, "Gatling" was credited with shooting down or aiding in the destruction of six Japanese planes.