Assigned to Task Force 58 (TF 58), she took part in the Battle of Saipan (14 June – 4 August); the Battle of the Philippine Sea (19–20 June); Battle of Tinian (20 July – 1 August); Battle of Guam (21 July); and Philippine Islands raids (9–24 September). She then served with TF 38 during the Okinawa raid (10 October), northern Luzon and Formosa raids (15 October and 18–19 October), and the Battle of Leyte Gulf (24 October). During the latter, she suffered great topside damage from explosions on board the aircraft carrier while courageously attempting to aid that stricken vessel. 239 men died, 408 were wounded, and the bodies of four were never recovered. "Birmingham" retired to Mare Island Navy Yard for repairs which lasted from November 1944 to January 1945.