Sakishima Islands
Becher was promoted to commander on 31 December 1944, and the following month "Quickmatch" was transferred to the recently established British Pacific Fleet. On 28 February, the British Pacific Fleet, including "Quickmatch", sailed from Sydney Harbour for Manus Island to prepare for its role in support of the planned United States invasion of Okinawa. The fleet engaged in eleven days of exercises at Manus before departing for Ulithi, and on 23 March was attached to the United States Fifth Fleet with the designation "Task Force 57". Setting sail for Okinawa two days later, the fleet launched air strikes against airfield targets in the Sakishima Islands on 26 and 27 March. During these operations "Quickmatch" formed part of the escort for the fleet's aircraft carriers. Becher later stated: "These two days' operations were successful, the enemy airstrips being neutralised and a number of aircraft being destroyed on the ground." Task Force 57 continued operations around the Sakishima Islands for the following two months to cover the United States' left flank, with "Quickmatch" forming part of the carrier force's escort throughout this period.