From 5–14 November 1944, VF-80 attacked Japanese targets around the Philippines in support of the invasion of Leyte and conducted combat air patrols to protect the task group.

Returning to action in late November, CVG-80 continued to hit targets in the Philippines until Ticonderoga retired to Ulithi for the Christmas holidays.

In early January 1945, CVG-80 struck airfields, shipping and industrial targets on Formosa and the Sakishima Islands in support of the invasion of Lingayen Gulf.

On 16 February 1945, VF-80 participated in strikes against airfields and military installations on Honshu, also shooting down 71 Japanese aircraft—a single day record for carrier-based squadrons.

[3][4] VF-80 supported the invasion of Iwo Jima from 21 February and hit other Japanese targets until early March when it was relieved and returned to Ulithi.