 "Alchiba" continued her supply duties in the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia through late March 1944.In April, "Alchiba" was assigned to carry elements of the 25th RCT (Regimental Combat Team), 4th Marines, for the invasion of Saipan as part of Transport Division 20.However, during the rehearsal in mid-May she had to return to Pearl Harbor for major repairs, and her place was taken by AKA 19 (USS Thuban).