By Linda Taaffe

The United States’ declared victory in Operation Iraqi Freedom last month hasn’t signaled celebration for David Scott’s family, who are uncertain of his whereabouts.

The Los Altos resident has remained on duty in an undisclosed location somewhere in the Middle East transporting troops as a Black Hawk side gunner in the 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screaming Eagles. The 101st is the Army’s only air assault division and has the reputation of being one of the toughest divisions.

The division’s 20,000-plus soldiers are some of the first to engage in battle, seizing airports and other strategic positions. Its helicopters can position thousands of soldiers at least 100 miles into enemy territory.

Scott, 20, is one of four side gunners positioned on the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to fend off enemy attacks as the helicopters transport troops to the front.

The division flew 275 helicopters during the war and participated in what has been called the largest gathering of attack helicopters in the history of the U.S. Army.

Scott’s family has been in contact with him only once since he left for Iraq in February, said his grandmother Wendy Pyne.

The last time Pyne spoke to Scott, she told him, “Don’t be a hero, I want you to come home.”

He called last month from a satellite phone somewhere in the desert — a one-minute privilege that came after a three-hour wait in line, Pyne said.

“He couldn’t say where he was,” she said. “He told us he was sleeping in trenches.”

The 101st set up camp in Kuwait March 3, according to accounts from the Associated Press. Wind storms reaching 60 mph ripped through Camp Victory a week later, blowing down tents and leaving many out in the open sleeping on cots without shelter. Others strapped on goggles to protect their faces from the abrasive sand.

The winds were so strong at Kuwait City’s port that the first of five cargo ships carrying attack helicopters and other equipment for the 101st was unable to berth, according to media accounts.

The soldiers were ordered to carry gas masks at all times and to listen for the signal warning them when to wear the equipment.

Pyne said not knowing Scott’s whereabouts has been the most difficult part of the wait.

“His mother is going crazy,” she said. “She can’t watch the news.”

Pyne said she and her husband have been selective on what they read and view on the news.

Scott’s cousin’s Girl Scout Troop at Oak School sent him letters, but the family is uncertain if he received them.

Pyne said the family has no idea when to expect Scott to return home. The division may not report back to its base at Fort Campbell, Ky., for another nine months, she said.

Scott is a longtime Los Altos resident. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Los Altos High School in 2001 and completed his training in Georgia.

Pyne said it is Scott’s goal to become a pilot in the Army’s special forces.