After a brief time as convoy escort, she joined American Forces at Guadalcanal, where she screened throughout the campaign. During the Battle of Santa Cruz. "Hughes" splashed one Japanese plane and assisted in downing two more. Despite her valiant efforts, "Hornet" was hit and sunk on 27 October 1942. Joining TF 16 on 10 November 1942, "Hughes" participated in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal by screening . "Hughes" continued screening operations until the end of February 1943.