The first Japanese counterattack around Saipan took place on the night of 15 June when three small air raids attacked TG 52.1. Although none closed "Benham" that night, a strike by a dozen or so Aichi D3A "Val" dive bombers attacked the escort carriers at dusk on 17 June. "Benham" joined in the ensuing antiaircraft barrage, helping to shoot down two of the attackers without loss. The following day, several more raids closed the task group; but combat air patrol (CAP) fighters drove off the attackers.