diff --git a/cicecore/drivers/nuopc/cmeps/ice_prescribed_mod.F90 b/cicecore/drivers/nuopc/cmeps/ice_prescribed_mod.F90
index 7461f2609..5a2ec4bb2 100644
--- a/cicecore/drivers/nuopc/cmeps/ice_prescribed_mod.F90
+++ b/cicecore/drivers/nuopc/cmeps/ice_prescribed_mod.F90
@@ -207,8 +207,10 @@ subroutine ice_prescribed_init(gcomp, clock, mesh, rc)
           hin_max(1) = 999._dbl_kind
        end if
 
+#ifndef CESMCOUPLED
        ! If need initial cice values for coupling
        call ice_prescribed_run(idate, msec)
+#endif
     
     end if  ! end of if prescribed ice mode