She patrolled off that island from 7 to 20 March, then returned to the United States for a brief overhaul.

After a brief overhaul at Pearl Harbor she joined the 7th Fleet 23 December 1943.

She returned to Pearl Harbor on 31 August for a brief overhaul and to take part in training operations.

On 13 January 1944, following a brief overhaul, she once more departed the west coast.

On 26 April Drew sailed for Ulithi and a brief overhaul.

After a brief overhaul in San Diego, she sailed for Alaska on 20 September.

On 18 August, after a brief overhaul, she returned to Miami, where she decommissioned on the 28th.

After a brief overhaul, she was underway with cargo for Okinawa, where she called from 12 to 24 August.

After a brief overhaul and training, the veteran landing ship was back in Japan 15 November.

After training operations and brief overhaul, Feland put to sea with soldiers 22 January 1944, bound for Kwajalein.