As the Navy's mobile amphibious forces prepared to move into the Palaus, "Henley" joined Task Group 30.8 (TG 30.8) and departed Manus 1 September as flagship of the refueling group during strikes on Peleliu and its eventual capture. The oilers and their escorts continued to operate out of Ulithi well into November, supporting the vast aircraft carrier task forces striking the Philippines. This unit, headed by Captain J. T. Acuff, had much to do with the great success of the wide-ranging carrier forces.