F-35B performs first-ever VTO

Above: On 10 May 2013 a Lockheed Martin F-35B Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) Lightning II test aircraft completed the first-ever VTO.
Vertical take offs are one of the many capabilities required for the fielding an F-35B aircraft.
While not a combat capability, VTOs are required for repositioning of the STOVL in environments where a jet could not perform a short takeoff.
In these cases, the jet, with a limited amount of fuel, would execute a VTO to travel a short distance.