The 38th ID continued to train for three more years, before finally embarking to Hawaii on 3 January 1944, arriving on 17 January. There the 113th Engineers and 38th ID received further training, and improved the defensive capabilities of Oahu. In July 1944, the 113th Engineers embarked with the 38th ID to New Guinea. From July to November 1944, they conducted final combat rehearsals, while also searching out any Japanese soldiers that were bypassed in the Western New Guinea campaign.