"President Adams" landed "passengers" and cargo on 11–12 January 1945, then retired to Leyte, discharging casualties from the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf. She then sailed back to Guam, whence she carried Marine Corps units to Iwo Jima, landing them on 19 February. During the first ten days of the Battle of Iwo Jima she stood off the beaches, unloading cargo, receiving casualties, provisioning and repairing small boats.