She remained offshore while the Marines carried out their bloody struggle to wrest control of the atoll from a well-fortified enemy. During that struggle and while the other islands of the atoll were cleared, Virgo remained in the vicinity of Tarawa.
While the Marines battled for control of the atoll from a heavily defended enemy, she remained offshore.  During this struggle, and as the other islands were liberated, she continued to be present near Tarawa.