In the F-4, the Tech Order told the Tanker to use 2 pumps to deliver fuel to us. I learned quickly during the Gulf War (from my Flight Lead, a much more experienced guy) that with 2 pumps, we were burning it as fast as we were taking it.

He told the boomers "Four pumps!" A few times they protested (I believe four was only supposed to be used for B-52s!), but he always got them to do it.

With 4 pumps, we would take 6-8000 lbs in about 6-8 minutes. I honestly believe with 2 it would take at least 35 minutes....if you made any progress at all.

If the tanker was above FL240, and we were getting full (with three tanks and a load of missiles), you would have to put one engine in minimum afterburner to hang on during the turns. You would use the other engine to modulate your position.

And I would disconnect from the boom, and having the biggest freaking knot in my back from the nervous tension of trying to hang on. Refueling the slatted-wing F-4 was not easy.

The highest I ever refueled was FL290 or 300, and I was physically a wreck when we disconnected. I think we all were.