"Spence" operated with TF 39 from 1 to 24 March to support the landings on Emirau Island. On the 27th she sortied from Purvis Bay with TF 58 for strikes against Palau, Yap, Ulithi and Woleai, Caroline Islands. From 13 to 25 April, Spence screened the fast carriers as they struck targets on New Guinea in support of the Landing at Aitape, Tanahmerah Bay, and at Humboldt Bay, New Guinea. On the 29th and 30th, the carriers struck enemy shipping and installations at Truk, the powerful Japanese naval base in the Caroline Islands. The destroyer returned to Majuro for a period of upkeep from 4 May to 5 June.