Today I Learned

[Griff]

Ice Cream Barge WW2.

https://www.navalhistory.org/2019/07...as-sweet-tooth

By World War II, when other Allied countries banned ice cream, the United States held fast to the tasty symbol of their perseverance in difficult times. Arguing successfully that ice cream had morale and caloric value for overseas troops, all branches of the U.S. Military began providing the treat to soldiers in whatever form they could. In the U.S. Navy, some of the most interesting ice cream-driven projects occurred. The most well-known project is the $1 million spent on converting a concrete barge into an ice cream factory that was towed around the Pacific, delivering ice cream to ship’s that did not have the equipment to create their own. Those ships that could make ice cream were also equipped with soda fountains – a common place in the United States where ice cream was served – to provide the sailors not just with the taste, but the feel of home. As if these projects were not enough to show the U.S. Military’s dedication to the treat, some U.S. Airmen found a fascinating solution to provide dairy confections to their comrades.