A CH-148 Cyclone and HMCS Montreal conduct vertical replenishment training during Exercise Spartan Warrior 16 in the Atlantic Ocean. MCpl Jennifer Kusche Photo THE YEAR OF THE IT’S BEEN SLOW GOING SINCE THE CH-148 CYCLONE MARITIME HELICOPTER PROCUREMENT WAS ANNOUNCED IN 2004, BUT 12 WING SHEARWATER’S HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF. INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY HAS BEEN DECLARED, WITH THE CYCLONE’S FIRST OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUMMER. BY LISA GORDON 62 RCAF Today 2018