While operating with TG 30.8, "Waterman" encountered the worst weather of her career — the infamous Typhoon Cobra of 18 December 1944. For approximately 36 hours, the fierce storm battered Admiral Halsey's fleet — large and small ships alike. Winds of threw almost solid clouds of spume and spray and whipped up waves of about 80 feet in height, making life aboard "Waterman" decidedly "uncomfortable." Upon occasion, the ship rolled as much as 65 degrees. As her commanding officer recounted: "This day was a never to be forgotten one and was indelibly impressed in the minds of the crew."