Fighting a desperate rearguard action in the face of a swift-moving and well-organized enemy, the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command (ABDA) force faced formidable obstacles as they withdrew to the "Malay Barrier". During this time, "Whipple" conducted escort and patrol duties into February 1942. On 12 February, the destroyer got underway from Prigi Bay, Java, in a dense fog. As she headed for Tjilatjap, on the south coast of Java, she was struck a glancing blow by the Royal Netherlands Navy light cruiser "De Ruyter". As the Dutch ship emerged from the murk, "Whipple" alertly swung left to avoid a collision, a move that averted more serious damage. Drydocked at Tjilatjap on 13 February, "Whipple" ascertained the damage to be minor and rejoined the fleet for active service.