What was the cause of the USS Iwo Jima incident?

The USS Iwo Jima incident was primarily caused by the failure of nuts in a high-energy steam system. This type of failure is significant because high-energy steam systems operate under extreme pressure and temperature, making any mechanical failure potentially catastrophic. When these nuts fail, it can lead to dangerous situations, including steam leaks or ruptures that compromise the integrity of the system, potentially causing explosions or severe damage to the vessel and endangering crew members. Understanding the role of high-energy systems in naval operations highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance, inspection, and quality assurance practices to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The other options, while they may pertain to different incidents or mechanical issues, do not accurately represent the primary cause of the USS Iwo Jima incident. O-ring failures or power losses, for example, might occur in other contexts but are not linked to this specific incident. Thus, the impact of nuts failing in this high-energy steam system is crucial in assessing the risks involved in maritime operations and underscores the need for stringent QA measures.