Following her commissioning, "Wichita" was assigned to neutrality patrols in the Atlantic. After the United States entered World War II, the ship saw heavy service throughout the conflict. She was first assigned to convoy escort duty on the Murmansk Run in early 1942, and supported amphibious landings during Operation Torch in November 1942. During the Naval Battle of Casablanca, "Wichita" engaged several French coastal batteries and warships, including the battleship "Jean Bart". In 1943, "Wichita" was transferred to the Pacific Theater, where she remained for the rest of the war. She frequently provided antiaircraft defense for the Fast Carrier Task Force during operations in the central Pacific, including the Battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf in 1944. During the latter engagement, "Wichita" assisted in the sinking of the Japanese aircraft carrier "Chiyoda".