HMCS Ville de Québec first Canadian frigate to deploy with new Cyclone helicopter

Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ville de Québec will become the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to deploy with the new CH-148 Cyclone when she gets underway from the Halifax navy base on July 18.

The frigate’s departure will also mark the first time the ship is deploying as part of operation Reassurance.

Ville de Québec will operate in Central and Eastern Europe as part of the Canadian contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in the region.

The first operational deployment for the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter is an important milestone for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

CH-148 Cyclone is replacing the CH-124 Sea King as Canada’s main ship-borne maritime helicopter, providing air support to the Royal Canadian Navy. The new helicopter will carry out surface and subsurface surveillance and control, utility and search and rescue missions. It will also provide tactical transport for national and international security efforts.

The Sikorsky-built helicopter started first trials aboard a Royal Canadian Navy ship in 2010.