From the "some welding jobs are more important than others" file...

Norshipco welders take leave to weld armor onto combat vehicles

NORFOLK, Va. Some of Norshipco's welders are taking a leave from working on Navy ships to work on an Army contract.

About 25 welders a day are putting together armor for combat vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army awarded the contract to Norshipco's parent company, United Defense Incorporated. The armor cages are meant to guard tanks from rocket-propelled grenades. The work should continue through the summer.