 She arrived Pearl Harbor 16 March and during the next 2 months practiced for the forthcoming invasion of the Marianas.As part of Vice Admiral R. K. Turner's Northern Attack Force, she departed Pearl Harbor 29 May; touched at Eniwetok; and carrying troops of the 4th Marine Division, arrived off Saipan in the early hours of 15 June.She debarked her troops in the initial assault waves, then discharged cargo as bitter fighting raged on shore.