Vice Admiral Auerbach was the deputy commander of USCENTCOM. After Jackson Reichert and the other marines aboard the USS Belleau Wood finished inspecting the Barataria, Reichert contacted Auerbach and gave him an update. Even though Reichert told him that none of his troops got radiation poisoning, Auerbach didn't want them to take any chances. Auerbach ordered Reichert to sink the Barataria since they were already aware that the ship was holding nuclear missiles. After the heated discussion, Reichert sank the ship, and Auerbach ordered him and his crew to resume their patrol. (Rogue)