On 25 May 1942, while again returning to Recife from Trinidad escorted by , "Patoka" sighted an enemy submarine on the surface. "Jouett" attacked, forcing the U-boat to dive and continued the attack until "Patoka" had escaped. "Patoka" remained at Recife, continuing to supply the ships of Task Force 23 with provisions, supplies and tender services until April 1943, with occasional trips to Puerto Rico and Trinidad for replenishment. "Patoka" then got underway for home, reaching Norfolk on 22 May for overhaul. She sailed for New York on 6 August to join a convoy bound for Aruba, N.W.I. and resumed operations along the coast of South America.