The invasion began on 1 April, and "Wichita" provided gunfire support to the landing troops on the southern beaches. At around 12:00, she left the firing line to replenish her ammunition. She resumed bombardment the following day and resupplied again on 3 April before covering minesweepers on 4 April. During the night of 4–5 April, "Wichita" shelled the Japanese defenders on Okinawa. The ship was assigned to join Task Group 51.19 the next day to bombard Tsugen Shima in company with "Tuscaloosa" and the battleships and . Japanese aircraft appeared, which forced the cancellation of the mission. Nevertheless, "Wichita" shelled Japanese shore batteries at Chiyama Shima that evening.