"Stembel" saved a pilot from "Hancock" (CV-19) on 26 March and another three days later. Her task group was operating between 60 and 100 miles (100–160 km) east of Okinawa as they launched pre-invasion air strikes against that chain of islands. The ship was forced to return to Ulithi on 11 April for repairs and then rejoined the fast carriers southeast of Okinawa on 21 April. "Bunker Hill" (CV-17) was hit and severely damaged on the morning of 11 May, and "Stembel" moved close aboard to aid in extinguishing the carrier's fires. She sailed for San Pedro, P.I., via Guam, for a tender overhaul on 27 May.