During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, "Ushio" was assigned to Admiral Kiyohide Shima’s Diversionary Force at the Battle of Surigao Strait, remaining based in Manila after the battle to escort convoys in the Philippines. She was damaged on 13 September, during an American air raid on Manila, during which her starboard engine was disabled, and 23 crewmen killed. After repairs were made in Singapore in November, "Ushio" was reassigned to the IJN 2nd Fleet. In December, she assisted the disabled cruiser .