 The tug participated in rescue and towing duties along the eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean, making an important contribution to saving lives and ships, until early May 1944.Reclassified ATO-138 on 15 May 1944, "Partridge" was ordered to England to assist in preparing for the coming invasion of Normandy.The ship remained in England until 10 June, when she was ordered to sail for the beachhead.