On this mission, "Charles Ausburne" was at sea from 6 June to 6 July 1944, primarily steaming in the screen guarding the carriers of TF 58 as they repeatedly struck Tinian, Saipan, Pagan, Guam, and Iwo Jima. This neutralization of enemy airfields and island defenses made feasible the series of landings in the Marianas. "Charles Ausburne" also bombarded shore defenses on Guam, and screened USS "Essex" while the carrier hurled strikes at Saipan to support the initial landings on Guam and the advancing troops on Saipan.