Fleet maneuvers and other training operations in the Caribbean preceded "Roosevelt"'s first deployment to the Mediterranean, which lasted from August to October 1946. "Roosevelt", flying the flag of Rear Admiral John H. Cassady, Commander, Carrier Division 1, led the U.S. Navy force that arrived in Piraeus on 5 September 1946. This visit showed U.S. support for the pro-Western government of Greece, which was locked in a civil war with Communist insurgents. The ship received thousands of visitors during her calls to many Mediterranean ports. This was the first of twenty Mediterranean deployments "Roosevelt" would make, initiating an American aircraft carrier presence that would develop into the United States Sixth Fleet.