 New Jersey was directly engaged in the conquest of Okinawa from 14 March until 16 April . As the carriers prepared for the invasion with strikes there and on Honshū , New Jersey fought off air raids , used her seaplanes to rescue downed pilots , defended the carriers from suicide planes , shooting down at least three and assisting in the destruction of others . On 24 March 1945 she again carried out the role of heavy bombardment , preparing the invasion beaches for the assault a week later . 
