The Sweet History of Ice Cream in the Military

When summer hits there’s one thing that brings instant comfort to just about everyone: ice cream. It’s more than just a summer treat, it’s a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and even a bit of… patriotism?

Did you know that ice cream has a surprisingly rich history with the U.S. military? That’s right! Our favorite frozen treat has been lifting spirits and fueling service members through decades of deployments, moves, and missions.

During World War II, ice cream was considered so important to troop morale that the U.S. government found creative ways to deliver it, even in combat zones. In 1945, the U.S. Navy commissioned the construction of a $1 million floating ice cream barge, which could churn out 500 gallons of ice cream per shift (equivalent to five tons a day!). Stationed in the Pacific Theater, this concrete barge supplied ships and remote outposts with sweet relief.

The love for ice cream ran deep. In 1942, the crew of the USS Lexington made one last stop before abandoning their torpedo-struck ship: the freezer. As the vessel went down, they emptied it of every last container of ice cream; proof of just how comforting that frozen treat could be, even in crisis.

In 1943 alone, the U.S. armed forces consumed 135 million pounds of dehydrated ice cream mix. While sugar and dairy were rationed back home, ice cream was prioritized for troops overseas. The War Production Board even labeled it a “wartime essential,” putting it in the same category as medical supplies and ammunition. Ice cream wasn’t just dessert; it was viewed as a morale booster and a taste of home.

After WWII, ice cream became a fixture on military bases around the world. Mess halls served it regularly, and ice cream machines became standard equipment on many Navy ships. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave ice cream the recognition it deserved by proclaiming July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He praised it as a “nutritious and wholesome food” loved by the majority of Americans.

Even today, ice cream still finds its way into military life. Some Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) include freeze-dried ice cream, famously known as “astronaut ice cream,” which was originally developed for NASA but became a quick military favorite. And yes, while it’s a little chalky compared to your local scoop shop, it’s a nostalgic reminder of home for those stationed far away.

So, as you’re enjoying a cone this summer know that you’re in good company. Ice cream has been part of military life for generations, sweetening even the toughest moments, softening the edges of stressful moves, and giving service members a little scoop of home wherever they are.
Here’s to frozen treats and freedom!