On 8 July, "Melvin" sailed for Eniwetok, where on the 18th, she sailed in the screen of the transports carrying troops to Guam, off the coast of which she screened transports and oilers from 22 July to 7 August. After preparations at Guadalcanal, from 8–21 September she took part in the capture and occupation of the southern Palau Islands, then joined TG 33.19 for the unopposed occupation of Ulithi. After escorting LSTs to Hollandia, she arrived at Manus Island to stage for the invasion of Leyte, Philippines.