by Spc. Sarah B. Smith
377th TSC PAO
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait— From sweltering hot days to blistering hot coffee, ice is a great way to cool down in Kuwait. Have you ever wondered where all the ice comes from?
Every day, hundreds of gallons of water are frozen into ice cubes at Camp Arifjan by the Area Support Group – Kuwait Ice Plant. Once packaged into eight-pound bags, this cold commodity is distributed to each camp in Kuwait.
At maximum capacity, the ASG-KU Ice Plant stores more than 432,000 pounds of ice. This is more than 54,000 bags. The plant's two machines produce 8,000 bags in 24 hours.
Each day, the workers test the water before it is pumped into each machine. They also rotate the ice stock by using the oldest bags stored in containers before they ship any new bags.
Units and organizations are authorized a certain number of bags depending on their mission and number of personnel. Individual Soldiers cannot sign for ice without a signature card from the commander. For example, the 377th Theater Support Command is authorized 35 bags of ice per day.
"If personnel from our command need ice, with some coordination and help from supply, they can get the mission done," said Staff Sgt. Bobby Brumley, supply noncommissioned officer in charge, 377th TSC.
During the summer months, the plant produces enough ice to supply Camp Arifjan, Camp Patriot and the Sea Port of Debarkation.
Ice is delivered to camps by trucks carrying pallets of 250 bags each. The ice plant manager monitors usage through weekly reports. This helps schedule production and delivery dates.
So when you burn your mouth with coffee or need to calm a fever, remember that the ice cube remedy is homemade.