In October the tug assisted with rescue of survivors aboard the troop transport President Coolidge after it struck mines in the entrance to the harbor at Espíritu Santo. The tug took off 440 survivors which were transferred to the cruiser . Towing assignments during those operations took the boat throughout the island groups of the South Pacific, and once in late November-early December 1942 to Sydney, Australia.
In October 1942, a tugboat participated in rescuing survivors from the President Coolidge after it was damaged by mines in Espíritu Santo harbor. The tug rescued 440 people, who were then transferred to another ship. As part of its towing responsibilities, the boat traveled throughout the South Pacific island groups and later headed to Sydney, Australia.