SAN DIEGO -- Court-martial proceedings started Wednesday for a sailor who registered his opposition for the war in Iraq by refusing to board his ship when it deployed from San Diego.

Petty Officer Third Class Pablo Paredes, who was assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 5, is scheduled to appear before a military court at the 32nd Street Naval Station, U.S. Navy officials said.

Paredes, a weapons-control technician from the Bronx, N.Y., refused to board his ship, the USS Bonhomme Richard, as it left for Iraq on Dec. 6. He wore a T-shirt that read, "Like a cabinet member -- I resign."

Paredes said he was a conscientious objector to the war in Iraq. At the time, he acknowledged that his action would most likely result in a court-martial and imprisonment.

Local war activists held a rally Tuesday night to kick off several days of protests and events surrounding Paredes' trial.

"He commands a great deal of our respect and admiration for his courage and willingness to put his own life and freedom on the line." San Diego Military Families Speak Out member Lynn Gonzalez said.

A spokesman for Naval Station San Diego offered 10News the following statement regarding Paredes.

"Anyone going through a Specials Courts Martial proceeding is entitled to very specific rights. The Navy will ensure that Petty Officer Pablo Paredes' rights will be protected during the entire judicial process."

Parades said he stands by his decision and is prepared to go to prison.

"I was prepared the day I held my protest. I've had five months to build a movement around it, so I'm definitely prepared," he said.

Paredes is charged with violating the uniform code of military justice, absence without leave and mission movement. He faces up to a year in prison.