Battle of Kolombangara
After a refit at Sasebo in March 1943, "Yūnagi" was reassigned to the IJN 8th Fleet, returning to Rabaul in June. During June and July, she made several "Tokyo Express" troop transport runs to Kolombangara, assisting in the sinking of the destroyer on 4 July and in the Battle of Kolombangara on 12 July. In July, while at Shortland, "Yūnagi" was hit by an Allied air strike, which caused medium damage to her hull.