after loading supplies at new orleans, the new transport conducted shakedown training out of galveston, texas, until 28 january 1945. she departed 4 february for her first assignment, as school ship for pre-commissioning crews at newport, rhode island. arriving newport 10 february, "grundy" held underway drills and training for the crews of nearly finished ships, helping to speed their delivery as active fighting units. this duty was completed 31 march, and "grundy" sailed for hampton roads.