Sailing from San Pedro 28 October 1943, "Cowell" arrived at Pearl Harbor 2 November to join the Fast Carrier Task Force (then TF 58, later TF 38). From 10 November to 13 December she screened the carriers as they launched air attacks during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands, then sailed from Espiritu Santo for strikes on Kavieng, New Ireland at the turn of the year; and on Kwajalein, Ebeye, and Eniwetok Islands at the close of January. Returning to Majuro, she put to sea for the strike on Truk of 16 and 17 February 1944, then sailed to Pearl Harbor to replenish.