On 29 May, "Benham" joined Task Group 52.11 (TG 52.11), comprising , , , and , and sailed for Eniwetok, arriving there a week later. Steaming to Saipan in the Marianas on 15 June, "Benham" screened the two escort carriers as they launched air strikes against Japanese ground troops ashore. After hearing reports of a large enemy naval force from the Philippines headed toward the Marianas, the fast carriers—which had also been flying ground support missions—moved west to fight and win the Battle of the Philippine Sea on 19 and 20 June. Meanwhile, the American troops ashore had to rely on the seven escort carriers of TG 52.1 for any close air support.