During the first half of 1943 "McCalla" sailed among the Fiji, New Hebrides, and Solomon Islands performing plane guard, escort and antisubmarine patrol duties. Toward the end of June the New Georgia campaign began. "McCalla" departed Efate on 26 June to escort troop transports to Rendova Island. On 30 June, after the landings, the force was attacked by Japanese aircraft. As the first wave, torpedo planes, pressed in, the transport was torpedoed. "McCalla"s guns splashed one with two possibles; in the second wave, dive bombers, they splashed one and assisted with another kill. She then rescued 98 of "McCawley"s crew.