Following Iwo Jima, "John Rodgers" resumed duty with the fast carrier task force raiding Japan while awaiting the invasion of Okinawa, last and greatest amphibious operation of the Pacific war. "John Rodgers" operated with the carriers as they continued to bomb both Japan and Okinawa. She began screening operations as the first assault wave hit the beach on 1 April. She stood by protecting the carriers and splashed two "kamikazes" as they dived toward the flattops. She remained in the area supporting operations until Okinawa was finally secure on 21 June.