Your shift doesn't end for another two hours and your stomach is growling so loudly that you can hear it over the aircraft engine. As a flightline worker, you find it challenging to sneak away from work and grab a snack before dinner.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has found a solution to this obstacle by opening the Flightline Express, which is essentially a mini Shoppette.

The new store is located on the first floor of building 1182, commonly known as the 10th Airlift Squadron. Operating Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the facility offers flightline workers a plethora of snack options.

"We serve everything from sandwiches and hot dogs to chips and candy bars," said Patrick McGhee, Washington AAFES general manager. "If you've got a case of the munchies, you've got a choice here."

Even though the store offers a wide variety of products, employees say specific snacks get more attention than others.

"Our busiest time is early morning, around 7:30 a.m.," said Claudia Mitchell, AAFES employee. "Coffee and breakfast sandwiches are probably the most popular items. Beef jerky is also a big seller. "

According to Mitchell, customers often express their appreciation for the one-stop snack shop located closer to their work centers.

"It's difficult to get away from work at all, let alone long enough to run to the Shoppette," said Staff Sgt. Vincent Anderson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "This location makes it so much easier to grab a bite to eat during my shift."

The shop is expected to expand and improve based upon demands and needs of customers.

PHOTO: Staff Sgt. Vincent Anderson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, purchases a snack at the Flightline Express March 14, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The new store is located on the first floor of building 1182, commonly known as the 10th Airlift Squadron. It’s open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Leah Young)