 In the spring of 1943, "Navajo" returned to California, underwent overhaul, and in July 1943 got underway to return to the South Pacific.Steaming via Pago Pago, it arrived at Bora Bora on 21 August 1943 and commenced salvage and repair work on USS "Pasig".At the end of the month the ship sailed for Pago Pago, whence it got underway to tow gasoline barge "YOG–42" to Espiritu Santo.