On 23 August, she sailed for Manila arriving there 25 August, and on 29 August, the ship proceeded to Subic Bay, returning the same day. On 9 September "New Kent" sailed in convoy from Manila for Lingayen Gulf and arrived at Aringay Point, Lingayen Gulf the next day. During the period between 10–16 September, the ship was combat loaded with troops and equipment of the 3rd Battalion, 136th Regiment, 33rd Infantry Division, 6th Army and attached units and engaged in rehearsal and training exercises in connection with the forthcoming landing at Wakayama, Honshū, Japan.