In March, "Naka" was assigned patrol duties between Java and the Celebes. However, on 14 March 1942, "Naka" received orders to become flagship for the Christmas Island invasion force. The force consisted of "Naka", 16th Cruiser Division's and , 9th Destroyer Division's "Minegumo" and , 22nd Destroyer Division's , , and , 16th Destroyer Division's "Amatsukaze" and "Hatsukaze", oiler "Akebono Maru" and transports "Kimishima Maru" and "Kumagawa Maru". Landing operations progressed without opposition on 31 March 1942, however, the submarine fired four torpedoes at "Naka", but all missed. "Seawolf" tried again with two more torpedoes the following day, 1 April 1942, and this time one hit to starboard near her No. 1 boiler. "Natori" towed the badly damaged "Naka" to Bantam Bay, Java for temporary repairs, and "Naka" then proceeded to Singapore under her own power. The damage was sufficient to justify a return to Japan for further repairs in June. "Naka" remained in Japan in reserve until April 1943.