There is both a surface search radar and a navigation radar. There are also ESM warning receivers that would have detected a rather close radar from another vessel. And then sonar would also likely have contact. And then there are the lookouts armed with Mk-1 Mod 0 eyeballs, night vision scopes..., etc.
There is no possible way that the OOD on the Fitzgerald could not have know that this merchant was his biggest single problem.
Agree 100%. Like to see the bridge SOP as well. No way the Captain shouldn’t have been on the bridge.