 After shakedown, "James O'Hara" departed Norfolk, Virginia early in June for duty with the 8th Fleet in the Mediterranean.Arriving Oran, Algeria, 22 June, she prepared for the forthcoming invasion of Sicily.Carrying troops of the 45th Infantry Division, she departed 5 July for Operation Husky, and, as part of CENT Force under Rear Admiral A. G. Kirk, she closed the Sicilian shore off Scoglitti 10 July.