The White House agrees with the U.S. Navy that traditional job titles for sailors should be scrapped in favor of new gender-neutral names.
The Navy sparked controversy in September when it decided titles such as boatswain's mate, yeoman and master-at-arms would be replaced with seaman, petty officer and chief.
The ruling came after a study of whether job names should sound gender neutral in light of a Pentagon decision to open all positions to women.
The Washington Examiner reported a petition to the White House resulting in more than 100,000 signatures followed.
The White House responded to the petition Wednesday by approving the move and saying it presents benefits for sailors.
"Modernizing this system provides many benefits within the Navy, such as increased flexibility in training and assignments," the White House statement said.
"It also affords our Sailors opportunities when transitioning to the civilian workforce by aligning their specialties with civilian occupations.
"Organizational changes that require a cultural shift can cause friction during transition periods, but the President has confidence in the decisions made by U.S. Navy leaders and agrees that the benefits in future years will outweigh growing pains in the next several months."
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