Motive, in TG 52.9, the demonstration group, participated in the dawn feint on the beaches north of Tanapag town, while the actual landings were taking place at Charan Kanoa.

From 24 July until November Motive served as a convoy escort, antisubmarine patrol and screening ship, operating out of Saipan, Eniwetok, Guam, and Ulithi.

For the next five months Motive served on convoy escort antisubmarine, and screening patrols and hydrographic surveys out of Peleliu, Palaus; Guam; Eniwetok; Saipan; and Iwo Jima.

On 25 April 1945 Motive headed back for the west coast, touching at Pearl Harbor and San Francisco, California, before arriving 24 May at Seattle, Washington, for overhaul.

As the war in the Pacific ended, Motive left Seattle, Washington, 4 September for Sasebo, Japan, arriving 20 October.

Motive departed Sasebo, Japan, on 1 January 1946 for the U.S. West Coast, and was decommissioned and placed in reserve at San Diego, California, 15 June 1946.