"Haskell" sailed via Mios Woendi to Noemfoor Island, 23 November-2 December, where preparations were underway for the important landings at Lingayen Gulf, Philippines. At staging areas throughout the western Pacific ships such as "Haskell" loaded troops and made practice landings prior to the actual assault. After exercises at Japen Island, "Haskell" departed in convoy for the Philippines 4 January 1945. A part of Rear Admiral Conolly's reinforcement echelon, "Haskell" and the other transports arrived off Lingayen Gulf 11 January 2 days after the initial landings. Haskell's group escaped attack while sailing the treacherous route through the Philippines. After unloading her troops and cargo, "Haskell" departed the next day, but not before her gunners had shot down their first enemy aircraft during an air raid on the 11th.