Completing the assignment on 8 December, the force returned to Saipan, whence "Roe" conducted two search and rescue missions and one mercy run, carrying a doctor to a convoy bound for Saipan, before heading out for further strikes against Iwo Jima on 24 December and 27 December. On 24 December, "Roe" sank a small trawler and, with , sent to the bottom another ship, believed to have been a destroyer converted for fast transport service. On 27 December, she destroyed several small craft and damaged buildings and antiaircraft installations in and near the island's west boat basin.