And so, the unisex "Dixie Cup," or enlisted white hat, will come into being and be available for wear by E-6s and below next April. Female sailors will also be allowed to carry bigger purses, so long as they match their shoes.

"Having service members don the same headgear is symbolic of a Navy that is gender-blind," said Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a Navy spokesman.

"We have been working hard to design covers and uniforms that improve uniformity across the force as well as improve the function and fit of sailors' uniforms" according to Mabus' plan for uniform and cover redesign, Christensen said. ...