From 15 to 19 January 1945, "Almaack" lay anchored in Leyte Gulf, before she pushed on for the Western Carolines, reaching Ulithi on 23 January. She remained there until 6 February, when she sailed for Guam to load elements of the 3d Marine Division, in preparation for what would prove to be the last amphibious operation for "Almaack" in the war—the assault on Iwo Jima.