The 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township has been given a one-year stay of execution. Local supporters hope it is enough time for them to make their case.
The Defense Department has told the Air Force to postpone a decision on whether to close the facility as part of a force-wide cost saving effort.
Congressman Tim Murphy (R-18) said he and other legislators received a letter from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta explaining the order to hold off on a decision on the facility for at least one more year.
The Air Force said in February that closing the 911th would save $354 million over five years. The base was slated for closure by September 2013.
The Air Force said the seven C-130 refueling planes at the 911th are among the oldest in the fleet. Supporters of the 911th say the base works much more efficiently than other bases with newer planes. Murphy said the closing would affect about 2,500 people who work at the Airlift Wing.
