to Leyte, Philippines by way of Saipan. On 2 March 1945, the PCE-877 anchored in the outer harbor of Saipan and proceeded with logistics, but was not able to complete refueling in the short time allowed for the group, and continued underway on 3 March 1945. At 1630 on 9 March 1945 the PCE-877 anchored off Dulag, Leyte. Starting 10 March 1945, the ship took aboard stores and provisions and made repairs on sound gear (due to a transformer failure) and on the starboard screw. The damage to the propeller caused "excessive vibrations which had been present at speeds between 11 and 14 knots." Starting 15 March 1945, the PCE-877 acted as the central control vessel directing practice landings on Leyte, while completing the sonar and propeller repairs over ten days. Battle of Okinawa On 24 March 1945 the PCE-877 departed Leyte Bay with ComLST Flotilla 21 en-route for Okinawa. The fleet encountered six days of increasing high seas (categorized as "high" with up to 30 foot waves on the Douglas sea scale and winds topping 55 knots). The storm ended on 31 March 1945, and the fleet arrived on 1 April 1945 to waters off Okinawa Island. The PCE-877 was detached from screening duties and proceeded to attack station, which was assumed on schedule. "Enemy aircraft caused interference for a short period of time during approach to station, but the principal cause of concern was the closeness of our own ship's anti-aircraft fire.". The ship went on night retirement with units of Tractor Group "Dog", and was able to refuel on 2 April 1945. Working again at night that evening with Tractor Group "Dog", an "error in navigation led the group into dangerous water on the west side of Mae Shima [sic - Maejima] and this ship left screening station to keep clear of the reefs.". Later that morning at 0118 3 April 1945 a mine-like object was sighted and sunk by small arms fire from the PCE-877. The ship continued on night work for several days, and managed to avoid "suicide planes" that attacked ships in the transport area. "Friendly ships fired and shot down three FMs Mitsubishi F1M over land in the vicinity of the airstrip east of Purple Beach." On 8 April 1945, the PCE-877 proceeded from an anchorage off the western beaches of Okinawa to anchor in Karame Retto harbor (Kerama Islands), and the next