On 26 November, Commander C. F. Swanson, USN, relieved Commander J.E. Baker, USNR, as commanding officer. "New Kent" sailed from San Diego on 5 December for Guam, Marianas Islands to make its second Magic Carpet run. The ship's destination was again changed, this time to Saipan, Marianas Islands, at which port the ship docked 21 December. After loading 1,980 passengers, the ship sailed for San Pedro, California, destination changed en route to San Francisco, where the ship arrived on 1 January 1946. Christmas and New Year’s Day were celebrated aboard ship with special programs for all hands including a Roman Catholic mass, Christmas carols, Christmas gifts distributed by Santa Claus, and a turkey dinner.