After an ORI (operational readiness inspection) conducted by Commander, Carrier Division Two, "John F. Kennedy" left for the Mediterranean in April 1969. The ship reached Rota, Spain on the morning of 22 April 1969 and relieved . Rear Admiral Pierre N. Charbonnet, Commander, Carrier Striking Forces, Sixth Fleet, and Commander, Carrier Striking Unit 60.1.9, shifted his flag to "John F. Kennedy". The turnover complete by nightfall, the carrier, escorted by destroyers, transited the Strait of Gibraltar at the start of the mid watch on 22 April. The next day, "John F. Kennedy" refueled from , and acquired the company of a Soviet (Pennant No. 383).