Joining TF 58 for the strikes on the Japanese home islands, "Cushing" served as radar picket ship at the launching point and successfully directed the destruction of many Japanese aircraft trying to break through to attack the carriers. She screened the carriers for the pre-invasion strikes on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and participated in "softening-up" bombardment of Okinawa. Serving as radar picket ship during the Battle of Okinawa, she provided fighter direction which accounted for many Japanese aircraft. After replenishing at Leyte in June, she rejoined the carriers for strikes on the Tokyo area until the end of the war. Anchoring in Sagami Wan on 27 August 1945, she served as harbor entrance control vessel for the occupation forces until sailing for home. "Cushing" returned home to Bremerton on 20 November 1945, and was placed out of commission, in reserve, at Long Beach on 3 February 1947.