After upkeep and availability in San Pedro Bay, she screened in Leyte Gulf as the carrier exercised a newly assigned air group. Early in July, "Twining" joined Task Force 38, with Admiral W.F. Halsey embarked in , for seven days of intensive training exercises in preparation for the long-awaited assault on the Japanese homeland. On 10 July, the task force arrived off Tokyo and, four days later, began launching strikes. On the 24th, "Twining" joined in antishipping sweeps off the Kure-Kobe area and, on the night of 24 and 25 July, took part in the bombardment of Shiono-Misaki airfield. Frequent enemy air activity occurred as "Twining" screened the carriers. Air strikes against Kure and Kobe late in July were followed early in August by additional strikes against northern Honshū. On 9 August, a kamikaze attempted to crash into "Twining" but, under intense fire from the ship, overshot the destroyer. At 06:05 on 15 August, "Twining" heard the carriers recall strikes bound for Tokyo targets; and, two hours later, Radio San Francisco announced the welcome news of Japan's unconditional capitulation.