From then on, the convoy was under such heavy air attack that "Hovey" had to adopt the policy of not firing unless she was directly under attack, fearing that she would expend all her ammunition. In the entrance to Lingayen Gulf, at 0800 the sweepers came under attack and "Hovey" immediately shot down one "kamikaze". As the ships made a return sweep, two "kamikazes" made straight runs on the last two ships in the column, crashing into and . "Hovey" slipped her gear and stood in to assist "Long". "Long"s entire bridge and well deck was on fire, with intermittent explosions coming from the forward magazine and ready ammunition. Because of the explosions and air attacks, "Hovey" could not get alongside, but spent an hour picking up 149 survivors. At dark the sweepers made their night retirement and began steaming off the entrance to Lingayen Gulf.