The pandemic is upending family life throughout San Diego, but no one has seen quite as many restrictions as a single mom in the Navy.
Specialist First Class Leticia Martinez is stationed aboard the USS Jackson. She’s also a single mom, so reporting for duty means making sure her 9-year-old son is ready to report for day care.
“So I wake up at 4 o’clock and I wake him up at 5,” she said.
As with any sailor based out of Naval Base San Diego, right now Navy life for her and her son Rocco comes with a list of restrictions.
“It’s a bit difficult to find ways to entertain my son, and stay within the guidance," she said.
And if she has to follow the protocols, then so does Rocco.
“Right now he’s a shaggy, shaggy little boy because I can’t get him a haircut,” she said.
Even as local businesses in the community close and reopen, for Martinez the restrictions have never been optional, as the Navy tries to limit the spread of COVID-19. So for most of the year, it’s been only carryout.
“No museums, no zoos. Basically, it’s anywhere pertinent, like if you need to get your vehicle fixed or going to day care,” she said.
For Rocco, that also means no playing with friends around the neighborhood. The USS Jackson is one of several littoral combat ships in San Diego. Right now, Martinez is only going out to sea in short bursts, though she’s on duty for 24 hours, every third day. Then right back to duty at home.
“It can be really tough at times,” she said. “And a little stressful at times. Because with the three-section duty, and working and school and everything. It’s kind of hard to find time to decompress. But at the end of the day, when you’re just sitting on the couch, watching TV with him and watching movies and hearing him laugh at all the comedies. It’s worth it.”
All to balance, parenting, COVID and the Navy.
