In December, the destroyer moved to Guam for independent operation as an escort and patrol ship in the Marshall and Mariana Islands. She then steamed to Ulithi, where she arrived 31 January 1945 to undergo operational training in covering Underwater Demolition Teams. She sailed 14 February for the next major landing on the island road to Japan, Iwo Jima. Arriving 2 days later, she took part in the pre-invasion bombardment and, after the assault on Iwo Jima 19 February, performed yeoman fire support, screening, and radar picket duties during the bitter fighting ashore. She returned to Ulithi on 5 March to prepare for the Okinawa invasion.