diff --git a/docker/entrypoint.sh b/docker/entrypoint.sh
index 439510c01a2..f4c5c86e1d6 100755
--- a/docker/entrypoint.sh
+++ b/docker/entrypoint.sh
@@ -168,6 +168,8 @@ function init_cime() {
     update_cime "${install_path}"
 
     cd "${install_path}"
+
+    "/src/CESM/manage_externals/checkout_externals -e Externals_cime.cfg"
 }
 
 if [[ ! -e "${HOME}/.cime" ]]