after shakedown out of san pedro, california, "grimes" returned to seattle, washington, 25 january 1945; embarked over 240 troops; then departed seattle 1 february for honolulu in support of the navy's great pacific ocean offensive. after conducting exercises off maui island, "grimes" was underway 20 february 1945, with transport division 59 and anchored off the northeast coast of recently secured iwo jima 14 march and began embarking units of the 4th marine division for evacuation to the philippine area. while riding to anchor "grimes" was brought under fire at a distance of about 1,000 yards from small arms positioned in caves and crevices near the waters edge. no damage or casualties resulted. "grimes" cleared the area 20 march and discharged 1,618 passengers at pearl harbor 4 april 1945.