Following overhaul at San Pedro, California, Lackawanna resumed operations as a unit of ServRon 8 in the Central Pacific on 16 February 1943.

The oiler replenished fighting ships for eight months prior to sailing in support of the Gilbert Islands invasion during November.

Turning her attention to the removal of other barriers "on the road to Japan," Lackawanna refueled the carrier task forces as they unleashed their devastating raids on Palau, Yap, and Truk during April and May.

On 15 June amphibious assault forces landed on Saipan, and once again the lifeline of the fleet was on hand to refuel the thirsty ships.

With Japan itself the only remaining target, Lackawanna sailed on 3 July to refuel the 3rd Fleet units engaged in raids on the enemy homeland.