The "Stevens" returned to Eniwetok on 30 July, and then she steamed for Guadalcanal the following day. "Stevens" reached Guadalcanal on 5 August, but continued on to Espiritu Santo, which she reached the next day. She departed Espiritu Santo on 14 August and moored in Purvis Bay two days later. On 17 July the "Stevens" headed for New Guinea. The "Stevens" arrived at Humboldt Bay on 21 July, and then made a trip to Maffin Bay and back; then, on 7 September, she stood out of Humboldt Bay for Aitape. She joined Task Force 77 at Aitape and, on 10 September, sortied with that task force for Morotai in the East Indies. Five days later, the assault troops stormed ashore on Morotai, to little opposition. The "Stevens" patrolled while the transports unloaded men and equipment. Late that afternoon, she steamed back towards Humboldt Bay, escorting HMAS "Manoora" and HMAS "Kanimbla". This small convoy reached its destination on 18 September; and the following day, "Stevens" joined "McKee" (DD-575) in the screen of another echelon bound for Morotai. Upon her arrival back at Morotai, the "Stevens" began patrolling as a radar and anti-submarine picket off Kaoe Bay, and serving on night's patrol south of Morotai.