 As transports and freighters unloaded their holds and disembarked their mottle-garbed marines, "Van Valkenburgh" received orders to escort a group of empty ships back to the Marianas.After shepherding a group to Saipan, "Van Valkenburgh" returned to Iwo Jima at noon on 3 March.Five days later, she made another trip to Saipan, returning on 18 March to resume screening duties as escort for an amphibious group.