July is here, and with it comes one of America’s sweetest traditions—National Ice Cream Month! Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla, chocolate, or something more adventurous, this is the perfect time to indulge in the nation’s favorite frozen treat.
But did you know that ice cream has a rich history tied to moments of resilience and camaraderie, especially for the Navy?
A Cool Comfort
During World War II, ice cream wasn’t just a dessert—it was a symbol of hope and normalcy for U.S. Navy sailors stationed far from home.
Amid the stress and uncertainty of war, a simple scoop of ice cream could offer a moment of relief, spark camaraderie and remind sailors of life back in the States. It became such a treasured luxury that the Navy made extraordinary efforts to ensure its availability on the front lines.
In the 1940s, the Navy commissioned a special ice cream barge—essentially a floating factory—capable of producing and storing thousands of gallons at a time! This barge would supply smaller ships with the cool dessert, delivering gallons of morale-boosting goodness throughout the Pacific. Also, aircraft carriers and battleships were outfitted with their own ice cream machines!
USS Intrepid sailor standing in the gedunk holding an ice cream scoop and a cup in the 1950s. Credit: Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Alicia Babcock-Raposo daughter of Walter K. Babcock. P2021.38.08
The enthusiasm for ice cream was legendary. In 1944, the crew of the USS Bunker Hill reportedly consumed an astounding 687,968 sundaes—an average of 265 cups per sailor that year! Even in moments of crisis, ice cream was a priority: when the USS Lexington was struck by a torpedo, sailors raided the freezers and scooped ice cream into their helmets before abandoning ship, savoring every bite before plunging into the Pacific.
Sailors on the USS Bunker Hill get ready to enjoy some ice cream and cake. Credit: U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archive
The significance of ice cream didn’t end with the war. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially designated July as National Ice Cream Month, calling on Americans to celebrate with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Since then, the tradition has continued, giving everyone the perfect excuse to enjoy their favorite flavors all month long.
Celebrate at the Intrepid Museum
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate this July, the Intrepid Museum offers a taste of history—and ice cream! Visitors can try astronaut ice cream in the Space Shuttle Pavilion gift shop and the main Museum shop, experiencing the freeze-dried treat enjoyed by astronauts in space.
Craving something more classic? Stop by the Aviator Grill for the cold treat to eat while overlooking Pier 86, or visit the Intrepid Marketplace on the ship’s mess deck for a range of menu items, including delicious ice cream options. Both spots open daily at 10:00am, making it easy to add a sweet treat to your visit.
This July, let’s raise a cone to the sailors who found comfort in ice cream during the toughest times, and to everyone who keeps the tradition alive today. Happy National Ice Cream Month—here’s to history, happiness and plenty of sprinkles!
Step aboard. Explore history. Be inspired. Museum tickets can be purchased here. Explore our collections at intrepid.emuseum and our digital guide.
Want to visit the museum? We would love to have you! Find out all about our offerings here and plan your trip today.
If you join our membership program you can visit the museum any time! Plus enjoy many membership perks at a discounted rate.
