サボ島沖海戦
was steaming with a task force on the night of 11-12 October 1942 on course to intercept Japanese shipping runs to Guadalcanal. In the ensuring Battle of Cape Esperance, "Farenholt" was hit by shells below the waterline from both Japanese and American guns causing concerning flooding. The crew shifted weight topside so the ship listed far enough to raise the holes out of the water. 3 men were killed and 43 wounded on "Farenholt". After lengthy repairs, she returned to service in March 1943.