It was transferred to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Two on 7 May 1942. At the end of May 1942, Ensign David M. Levy took over "PT-59" and the Squadron was sent to Panama to guard the Panama Canal and the Central and South American coast on anti-submarine duty. In October 1942 "PT-59" departed for the South Pacific on board the Liberty ship SS "Roger Williams". In November 1942 "PT-59" arrived at the Solomon Islands with MTB Squadron 2, numbering 8 boats. The Squadron was based at Sesapi on Tulagi Island.