WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators are urging the Defense Department to continue to store C-130 transport planes at an air base in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station is home to the 911th Airlift Wing.

In a joint letter today, Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey have asked Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to delay any decisions on the base until a panel on Air Force needs completes its work.

The senators say the base has an experienced work force and enjoys support from Pittsburgh International Airport.

They say the base is also cost-effective for the Pentagon.