Late in December the destroyers sailed to Pearl Harbor to prepare for the next major offensive. "John Rodgers" departed Pearl Harbor on 22 January 1944, headed for the Marshall Islands. Profiting from experience gained in previous engagements, the Navy launched a well-coordinated attack on Kwajalein Atoll on 31 January. In addition to providing antiaircraft and antisubmarine protection, "John Rodgers" supported the landing forces with gunfire which knocked out enemy troop concentrations and pill boxes. After the last resistance disappeared on 7 February, the destroyer patrolled the Marshall Island area until late March.