"McCalla" immediately joined in the campaign for the Solomons. On 7 October she Joined Task Force 64 (TF 64), Rear Admiral Norman Scott's cruiser force, then protecting transports carrying supplies and reinforcements to marines on Guadalcanal. Ordered to search for and destroy enemy ships and landing craft, the force patrolled primarily north of the island. On the nights of 11 and 13 October, they encountered a Japanese force off Cape Esperance under Rear Admiral Aritomo Gotō convoying reinforcements to Guadalcanal. In the ensuing battle both forces accomplished their missions, but the cost to the Japanese was greater. Admiral Gotō was killed, heavy cruiser and destroyer were lost, and heavy cruiser was forced to return to Japan for repairs. In addition, as they attempted to rescue survivors the next day, two Japanese destroyers, and , were sunk by aircraft from Henderson Field. Admiral Scott's force lost the destroyer , while damage to the cruiser required navy yard repairs. "McCalla" rescued 195 of "Duncan"s crew, and captured three Japanese sailors.