After this operation, "Essex" proceeded to San Francisco for her single wartime overhaul. Following her overhaul, "Essex" became the carrier for Air Group 15, the "Fabled Fifteen," commanded by the U.S. Navy's top ace of the war, David McCampbell. She then joined carriers and in TG12.1 to strike Marcus Island on 19to 20May 1944, and Wake, on 23May 1944. She deployed with TF58 to support the occupation of the Marianas on 12June to10 August; sortied with TG38.3 to lead an attack against the Palau Islands on 6to 8September, and Mindanao on 9to 10September with enemy shipping as the main target, and remained in the area to support landings on Peleliu. On 2October, she weathered a typhoon and four days later departed with Task Force 38(TF 38) for the Ryukyus.