クラ湾
On 7 May 1943 she escorted three minelayers as they mined Blackett Strait, and Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands. The next night three Japanese destroyers, , , and , ran into the minefield and were severely damaged by the mines and then sunk by aircraft. Between 11 May and 14 May, "Chevalier" joined in the bombardment of Vila, and covered another minelaying operation in Kula Gulf.