In January 1942, "Kagerō" escorted aircraft carriers and to Truk, and onwards to Rabaul to cover landings of Japanese forces at Rabaul and Kavieng. She returned with "Shōkaku" from Palau to Yokosuka on 3 February, and spent the following month in training patrols. On 17 March, she departed Yokosuka with "Shōkaku" and "Zuikaku" to Staring-baai in Sulawesi, Netherlands East Indies.