Hawk Sqn Cdrs 03

Squadron Leader P K Comer
27 March 1998 - 11 September 2000

On 30 March 1998, Squadron Leader Paul Comer took over command of 208 Squadron, succeeding Squadron Leader Monty Christy who has now left the Service. Born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in August 1963 to a Service family, he moved around infrequently during his formative years. The family settled for a 10-year period at RAF Marham and he was educated at the local Grammar School in Downham Market, Norfolk. After successfully hoodwinking the local examination board to award 3 ‘A’ Level certificates, he joined the RAF in October 1981 and started officer training at the Royal Air Force College.

Pilot training followed and, after 4 years of courses and holds various, he ended up at RAF Bruggen flying the Tornado GR1 on 14 Squadron. Despite a strong desire to stay on the front line, his latent potential as an instructor meant he was destined for Qualified Flying Instructor duties and a second visit to RAF Valley. However, the reward for 3 years on Anglesey was an exchange tour to San Antonio, Texas, to fly the T-38 Talon at the USAF Pilot Instructor Training School.

Unfortunately, the inevitable pendulum of fortune swung back and he was posted to a ground tour in Headquarters No 1 Group, at RAF Benson, with responsibility to the Harrier and Jaguar Operational Conversion Units. However, as promised by lnnsworth (a rare occurrence these days), promotion to squadron leader followed after 10 months and he was re-toured within Headquarters No 1 Group (now moved to RAF High Wycombe) to be one of only 3 staff officers in the Ground Air Liaison Branch. With much delight, lnnsworth offered him a return to flying and his first choice of posting - back to RAF Valley to command 208 Squadron.

Paul is married to Karen and they have 2 children - Rebecca and Timothy. In his spare time, he is very much the family man but enjoys most sports with varying degrees of ability.