of Task Force 51, Joint Expeditionary Force, Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific 53.3, conducting screening operations for Tractor Group BAKER en-route to Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, arriving 3 February 1945. After two days of logistics and resupply, Tractor Group BAKER continued on to Saipan, the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, with PCE-877 continuing patrol and screening operations. The group arrived in Saipan Harbor the morning of 10 February 1945. Starting 12 February 1945, the PCE 877 continued as Central Control Vessel as part of nighttime landing exercises. There was difficulty in re-embarking the LVTs (Landing Vehicle Tracked), as their parent LST (Landing Ship Tank) had moved to a sheltered position, and the PCE-877 "acted as a guide to round up stray LVTs and help them to their mother ship." After completing logistical operations in Saipan Harbor, the PCE-877 shipped out at 1350 hours on 15 February 1945, proceeding as part of TU 51.13.6, performing screening operations for Tractor Group BAKER, en-route to Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, to join the invasion force. On 18 February 1945, the PCE-877 encountered a radar contact at 2,000 yards, readied for a depth charge attack, but "at 300 yards it became apparent that our contact was [a school of] large fish." At 0540 of 19 February 1945, the PCE-877 secured from screening operations and proceeded independently to assume duties as Central Control Vessel. Once at the transport area, the ship began dispatching waves of landing craft on schedule. All assault waves were dispatched on schedule, and the ship maintained station for the entire day, except when on standby as rescue vessel for the U.S.S. LSM 211 (Landing Ship Medium) 211. (see List of United States Navy Landing Ship Medium (LSMs)). The PCE-877 was under fire several times, but received no hits., which had been damaged by mortar fire. The PCE-877 stayed on station until 21 February 1945, then left station and conducted rescue and salvage operations, aiding stray and sinking LVTs and LCVP (United States). Rough seas caused several craft to drift seaward. "One One LVT was stripped of salvageable items and sunk by gunfire from this vessel." This LVT eventually collided with the PCE-877's starboard propeller while tied alongside, causing slight damage. On 22 February 1945, the ship conducted patrols in the area, and two days later joined TU 51.2 for screening duties as the convoy left the operations area en-route