Former President George H.W. Bush visited the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) to say thank you for the crew's service, June 15. Bush and some of his family members were on vacation in when they found out that would be visiting Rhodes, while the ship was returning from the . Bush quickly adjusted his schedule and made a detour just to stop by and talk with the crew. "I want you all to know it is a joy for us to see this ship, to be on board and be able to show the respect that we have for the Navy and those who serve there in," said Bush.