"Gillis" resumed tender duties at Kodiak 26 May 1942. She was stationed at Atka (11–13 June) tending amphibious patrol aircraft bombing the Japanese on Kiska Island. On air-sea rescue patrol 6 June 1942, she made three depth charge runs on an underwater sound contact. A Japanese submarine violently broached the surface revealing its conning tower and propeller, then disappeared. "Gillis" was unable to regain contact. She was credited with damaging this underseas raider in the combat area off Umak Island. She was attacked by three Japanese patrol bombers while at Adak 20 July. One bomb, a dud, splashed within 10 feet alongside. Other bombs rained about her, ahead and astern. She was drenched by water thrown up by the explosions but escaped damage or casualties.