DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The U.S. Navy has launched its largest show of force in the Persian Gulf since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Two aircraft carriers, including the Norfolk-based USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, are leading the way, backed by more than 100 warplanes flying simulated attack maneuvers off the coast of Iran.

It's a short notice exercise that could last just a matter of days, Cdr. Kevin Aandahl, Fifth Fleet Public Affairs Officer, told 13News Tuesday afternoon.

The Ike was participating with the Bremerton, Washington-based USS John C. Stennis.

The exercise comes just four days after Iran's capture of 15 British sailors and marines who Iran said had strayed into Iranian waters near the Gulf. Britain and the U.S. Navy have insisted the British sailors were operating in Iraqi waters.

A U.S. Navy commander says the maneuvers were not organized in response to the capture of the British sailors, nor were they meant to threaten the Islamic Republic, but he wouldn't say when the exercises were planned.

"That is really in the diplomatic swim lane and we'll keep it there. Obviously, we hope for their safe and speedy recovery," Cdr. Aandhal added.

He said the exercises include "practicing anti-submarine, anti-surface and mine warfare - for the surface and sub-surface side. The air wings are practicing their skills as far as interoperability between air wings so they'll be doing that and never forget that both carriers have provided close air support to ongoing missions for operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom."

The warships will stay out of Iranian territorial waters, which extend 12 miles off the Iranian coast.

Eisenhower left Norfolk in October, 2006; Stennis arrived in the region in February.

“We're not calling it a show of force. We're calling it what it is. It's an exercise between two carriers,” said Cdr. Aandahl.

Before their arrival in the Gulf, the jets had been flying missions into Afghanistan since the beginning of February. From Feb. 17 to March 14, the air wing flew more than 4,000 hours and more than 1,400 sorties providing close-air power support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force troops.

Other assets in the USS Eisenhower Strike Group are Destroyer Squadron 28; the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68); guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and the fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750), which are all homeported in Norfolk, according to the Navy.