 Detached from TF 8 to provide local cover for the newly arrived forces at Tutuila, "San Francisco" then rejoined her old division, Cruiser Division 6 (part of TF 11), soon after clearing Samoan waters on February 8.Ens.Harris saw his first action on February 20, 1942, when "San Francisco" screened the aircraft carrier "Lexington" (CV-2) as TF 11 battled Japanese land-based bombers off Bougainville in the Northern Solomons.