Ordered to search for and destroy enemy ships and landing craft, the force patrolled primarily north of the island.

On the nights of 11 and 13 October, they encountered a Japanese force off Cape Esperance under Rear Admiral Aritomo Gotō convoying reinforcements to Guadalcanal.

In addition, as they attempted to rescue survivors the next day, two Japanese destroyers, Murakumo and Natsugumo, were sunk by aircraft from Henderson Field.

Admiral Scott's force lost the destroyer Duncan, while damage to the cruiser Boise required navy yard repairs.

On 25 November, she was cruising off Tassafaronga Point when a number of landing boats were reported maneuvering along the coast; McCalla destroyed 40 of the Japanese craft.

During the first half of 1943 McCalla sailed among the Fiji, New Hebrides, and Solomon Islands performing plane guard, escort and antisubmarine patrol duties.

Until the end of October she operated as a unit in the fast carrier screen, participating in strikes on the Marianas, Bonins, Palaus, Philippines, Formosa, and Okinawa.

McCalla returned to escort work 24 October and for the next four months conducted convoys between ports on Ulithi, Eniwetok, Pelelieu, Manus, and Leyte.

At Leyte in mid-February 1945 she commenced interisland escort duties in the Philippines, extending her range to the Netherlands East Indies in June.