"Ushio" was part of the escort for the aircraft carriers and during air strikes against Ambon. She was subsequently was part of the escort for the cruisers and during the Japanese invasion of the eastern Netherlands East Indies. On 2 March, at the Battle of the Java Sea, "Ushio" assisted in attacking the submarine , with depth charges and taking on 59 survivors. She returned to Yokosuka Naval Arsenal for repairs at the end of March.