Following shakedown training in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, "Harrison" escorted a merchant ship to the Panama Canal Zone, and sailed for New York. The ship arrived New York 6 April and Charleston 2 days later. She then joined a convoy out of New York for Casablanca, and after touching at several points in the Mediterranean returned 1 June to Charleston. "Harrison" was then assigned to anti-submarine exercises in Caribbean waters with carrier , after which she performed escort duty in the area until 22 July 1943.