Hudson assumed command of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines and coordinated the further unit's training in North Carolina. The 25th Marines were transferred to the West Coast in August 1943 and Hudson and his battalion sailed for San Diego via Panama Canal. They arrived on September 10 and marched to the newest marine base, Camp Pendleton and joined 4th Marine Division. All division's units began preparing for the first combat deployment in Pacific – Kwajalein Operation.