After a refit at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, "Tama" was sent south with troops and supplies for Ponape, Caroline Islands on 15 September. After stopping by Truk, and returning to Kure, "Tama" was ordered to Shanghai on 11 October, to ferry additional troops to Truk and Rabaul, New Britain. After disembarking the reinforcements at Rabaul, she was attacked by RAAF Bristol Beaufort bombers from Guadalcanal on 21 October. "Tama"s hull plates were damaged by near-misses and she was forced return to Rabaul for emergency repairs.