On 28 December, the destroyer escort departed Aitape with Task Group 78.1, the San Fabian Attack Force, which was transporting the 43rd Infantry Division to make the initial assault against Luzon. The American ships entered Lingayen Gulf on 9 January 1945, and the DE protected the landings. She was then assigned to the anti-submarine and anti-aircraft screen until 18 January. On 10 January, was hit and badly damaged by a suicide plane; a boat from "Nickel" rescued five of that attack transport's crewmen who had been blown overboard and gave them medical attention.