 Supporting strikes off Kavieng, New Ireland on 31 December 1943 to 1 January 1944, she fueled two carriers and three destroyers.She sailed to Espiritu Santo on 10 January 1944 and steamed between Guadalcanal and the New Hebrides until 9 March.On 8 April 1944, "Patuxent" proceeded to her second refueling-at-sea rendezvous.