SAN DIEGO -- A former sailor has mixed feelings after the senior military officer accused of hazing and harassing him for years because he was gay was disciplined, 10News reported.

Joseph Rocha said his two-plus years at a U.S. Navy base in the Middle East became a daily hell, and he was hoping the man responsible would be punished.

"I was there to serve, and I found myself treated like an animal," said Rocha.

Hopes for a naval career turned into a nightmare for Rocha, who is now a junior at the University of San Diego.

On Wednesday, Rocha, a former Navy dog handler, learned that Chief Petty Officer Michael Toussiant would be disciplined.

"A bit of relief," Rocha told 10News.

In 2005, Rocha was station in Bahrain, and after he refused to have sex with prostitutes he said he was hazed daily for being gay. Rocha said he experienced name-calling, was hosed down and also tied up in a kennel.

Rocha said he was told that his unit leader Toussaint issued the hazing orders.

In one incident, in front of dozens of other sailors, Rocha said, "He decided the scenario I would play out upward of 30 times was a homosexual."

Rocha said he was forced to simulate sex acts. Soon after, he revealed that he was gay and left the Navy.

Amid accusations of abuse of Rocha and several others, 10News learned Toussaint was censured and will be forced to retire.

"I'm not serving, others are. It guarantees others won't experience it again," Rocha said.

Rocha is disappointed that the first words he heard were not 'court-martial,' but he said the message is a powerful one.

"I think it's groundbreaking; two of the most powerful men in the Navy standing up for an openly gay veteran," said Rocah.

10News learned Touissant will also face a Navy review, which could affect his retirement pay.

Rocha, who as diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, said for the first time in a long time he felt a sense of peace when he heard the announcement.