The Navy's Dry Spell and the Unexpected Rise of Ice Cream

In 1914, the US Navy issued General Order 99, banning alcohol onboard ships and bases. This mirrored the nationwide Prohibition of 1920. Surprisingly, Prohibition spurred the ice cream industry's growth, with breweries switching to ice cream and soda production. During WWII, the Navy even built a massive ice cream barge to boost morale, producing and distributing gallons of ice cream. Ice cream became a unique reward system; rescuing downed pilots meant a huge ice cream payout for the rescuing vessel, creating a memorable wartime tradition.