The United States military has long relied on aircraft carriers to project power and support its operations around the world. Due to their strategic value, these carriers are some of the most well-defended military targets in the world. The last time an American aircraft carrier was sunk in combat was at the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. Despite this, much speculation exists on the possibility of American aircraft carriers being destroyed in conflicts with adversaries such as China, Russia, or Iran.