SAN DIEGO -- A former Navy sailor from San Diego told 10News that he suffered abuse at the hands of fellow serviceman because he is gay.

Joseph Rocha first joined the Navy after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in search of a way to help protect his country.

However, Rocha said what he found was a daily dose of hazing and abuse.

Rocha is now a student at the University of San Diego, but he said his first semester has not been easy.

"It's difficult to concentrate in class," said Rocha.

Rocha was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after several years as a dog handler at a base in Bahrain.

Rocha said his ordeal began when other sailors pressured him to sleep with prostitutes. He refused, and that prompted questions.

Rocha said his refusal to answer questions from fellow servicemen led to daily hazing, including name-calling, being hosed down and being tied up in a dog cage.

"I found myself being treated like an animal," said Rocha.

Rocha remained quiet and said he was afraid he would be kicked out of the Navy because of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

In front of dozens of troops, Rocha said a superior told him to get on his knees.

"I was ordered to put my head in between the service member's legs and ordered to pretend to give them oral sex," said Rocha.

The incidents made him feel trapped and hopeless, he said.

Rocha eventually revealed that he was gay and was honorably discharged.

A Navy investigation revealed dozens of examples of hazing against him and other sailors in his unit. However, instead of discipline, unit leaders were promoted.

The Navy said it would review its own actions.

Rocha still wears his dog tags because he is still proud of the job he was forced to give up.

"I just kept asking myself, 'How did this happen?'" said Rocha. "I'd like to see people held accountable."

Rocha said he will also fight for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" because it helped create an environment of secrecy and fear.

Navy officials would not comment on the story, but a final report on their investigation is due in early October.