I was an Officer aboard USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Milius (DDG 69), qualified Conning Officer on both ships, but stood most of my bridge watches on USS Russell. I was a Department Head on Milius so I stood very few watches on that ship, but was usually on the bridge for most major evolutions like Replenishment at Sea (UNREP), training exercises (maneuvering, navigation, war games, etc) as well as Sea & Anchor details.
I am intimately familiar with just about every major system on that class of ship, especially its sensors and navigation information capabilities. I am also intimately familiar with what are typical Standing Orders from the Captain for the Bridge Team, but obviously there can be variation from C.O. to C.O. With that said, I will reserve any statement of opinion on the course of events that led to this disaster until there is official reporting of facts.
Right now I am just floored and heartbroken for the seven sailors who were lost. They were in berthing because that's what you do at 0200 when not on watch. Any Sailor knows the risk we take when we raise out right hand, but I'm fairly confident that we would rather die with our boots on at Battle Stations. They didn't expect this and probably weren't dressed... its just horrible.