returning to pearl harbor on 27 july, "lovering" underwent a period in drydock and then served as a target and training vessel for submarines. she continued this duty after returning to the marshall islands on 19 september. late in october she commenced a series of escort missions to saipan and guam in the marianas. these concluded on 10 march 1945 when, having steamed to ulithi, she began her final assignment as a screening and escort vessel for logistic support groups of the variously designated 3rd and 5th fleets. the iwo jima and ryukyus invasion areas were her main theaters of action before departing for home on 9 july.