 Late on 24 June, "Van Valkenburgh" finally left the forward areas, bound for the Philippines.For the ensuing fortnight, the ship rested at San Pedro Bay, Leyte, enjoying a breather from the hectic pace of operations that had lasted for over two months.Early in July, she put to sea as part of a surface force consisting of the new large cruisers and , four light cruisers, and seven destroyers.