Battle of Empress Augusta Bay
Joining the fast carrier task force screen, she took part in the raids on Tarawa (18 September 1943) and Wake Island (5–6 October). At the Solomons, she took part in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay (8–9 November), along with her sister ships , , , and . This was the first major action by the new "Cleveland"-class light cruisers that were entering the fleet. "Birmingham"s gunners shot down at least four enemy Japanese aircraft. During the daytime, Japanese planes hit "Birmingham" with two bombs and a torpedo. The ship's casualties included two killed and 34 wounded. The hits kept her out of the night surface battle with the Imperial Japanese Navy fleet that followed. "Birmingham" retired to Mare Island Navy Yard for repairs which lasted until 18 February 1944, when she rejoined the Pacific Fleet.