From Luzon, "Melvin" sailed south to Leyte, then to the Carolines, screening the Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 38/58). Steaming north with that force on 10 February, "Melvin" guarded the carriers as their aircraft raided Honshū and then provided air cover during the Iwo Jima campaign. On the 21st, she aided as she was attacked then escorted her to Eniwetok for repairs.