diff --git a/cime_config/buildexe b/cime_config/buildexe
index 406f660a3..1d7366718 100755
--- a/cime_config/buildexe
+++ b/cime_config/buildexe
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ def _main_func():
         num_esp   = case.get_value("NUM_COMP_INST_ESP")
         ocn_model = case.get_value("COMP_OCN")
         gmake_args = get_standard_makefile_args(case)
+        link_libs = case.get_value("CAM_LINKED_LIBS", subgroup="build_component_cam")
         esmf_aware_threading = case.get_value("ESMF_AWARE_THREADING")
 
     # Determine valid components
@@ -65,6 +66,9 @@ def _main_func():
     if ocn_model == 'mom':
         gmake_args += "USE_FMS=TRUE"
 
+    if link_libs is not None:
+        gmake_args += 'USER_SLIBS="{}"'.format(link_libs)
+
     comp_classes = case.get_values("COMP_CLASSES")
     for comp in comp_classes:
         model = case.get_value("COMP_{}".format(comp))