Arriving at Iwo Jima on D-Day, 19 February 1945, "Rooks" sent her LSTs on their way to the beach, then assumed duties as a radar picket vessel. In the afternoon she proceeded to the southeastern corner of the island to cover the Marine landings and silenced several enemy batteries. "Rooks" again fired on the Iwo Jima beaches 21–22 February and 25–26 February losing one seaman to shrapnel from a mortar on the 22d. During this period "Rooks" also provided radar warning and antisubmarine protection on the screening cordon thrown around the island.