on 27 june 1943, she departed for pearl harbor, arriving on 3 july. while at the submarine base, submarine squadron 14 (subron 14) was assembled with "bushnell" serving as tender and staff headquarters for the squadron and division staff. "bushnell" remained at pearl harbor until september 1943, when she sailed for midway island to deliver provisions and structural materials. upon returning to pearl harbor in december, she resumed her task of refitting submarines until april 1944.