Gunichi Mikawa
On 25 February 1943, "Sendai" was reassigned to the Eighth Fleet at Rabaul under Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa and remained on patrol around Rabaul through April. Returning to Sasebo in May, "Sendai" was repaired and modified. Her No.5 gun mount was removed and two triple 25 mm AA gun mounts and Type 21 radar were installed. Repairs were completed 25 June 1943 and "Sendai" returned to Truk on 5 July. On 7 July, Rear Admiral Baron Matsuji Ijuin assumed command of DesRon 3. During the next three months, "Sendai" operated out of Rabaul covering reinforcement convoys to Buin, Papua New Guinea and Shortland.