On the entry of the US into World War II, "Langley" was anchored off Cavite, Philippines. On 8 December, following the invasion of the Philippines by Japan, she departed Cavite for Balikpapan in the Dutch East Indies. As the Japanese advance continued, "Langley" proceeded to Australia, arriving in Darwin on 1 January 1942. She then became part of the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command (ABDACOM) naval forces. Until 11 January, "Langley" assisted the Royal Australian Air Force in running anti-submarine patrols out of Darwin.