[1][2] After completing her shakedown cruise and working-up, Strong sailed on 15 October with a convoy to San Juan, Puerto Rico returning to Norfolk, Virginia, on the 27th and departing two days later for New York.

She sailed from there on 5 February for the Solomon Islands and patrolled off Guadalcanal until the 13th when she joined Task Force 67 (TF 67) composed of four cruisers and their destroyer screen.

Strong, with TF 18, accompanied three destroyers minelayers to Blackett Strait, between Kolombangara and Arundel Island and mined it in the early morning hours of 7 May.

On the afternoon of 16 June, she was halfway between Guadalcanal and Tulagi when a flight of approximately 15 Japanese dive bombers attacked the American ships.

[3] Chevalier intentionally rammed Strong's bow to enable her to throw nets and lines to the stricken ship, and rescued 241 men.

Japanese gunners on Enogai beach spotted the ships, illuminated them with star shells, and opened fire with high explosive rounds.

[2] Strong began to settle rapidly with a 40° to 60° list to starboard, she broke in half just prior to sinking and several of her depth charges exploded.