following shakedown off california, "molala" steamed to hawaii, arriving at pearl harbor 14 december 1943. between february and june 1944, she operated from the marshall islands, towing damaged ships to pearl harbor. during that time, she was reclassified atf‑106, effective 15 may. after taking part in the battle of saipan, she continued towing and salvage operations between the marianas and gilberts, returning 2 september 1944 to pearl harbor. assigned to the third fleet, "molala" was involved in the battle of luzon in november 1944. she departed ulithi 29 december, supporting third fleet china sea operations, returning 27 january 1945.