Summers was born July 20, 1944, and graduated from Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, in 1967 before serving as an officer both at sea and in several postings ashore.

Summers assumed command of the Canadian Naval Task Force that sailed from Halifax to the Persian Gulf, and upon arrival he was appointed Commander Canadian Forces Middle East, with headquarters in Bahrain.

He was promoted to rear admiral and was appointed as a Commander Canadian Defence Liaison Staff Washington in 1992.

He served in National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa as Chief of Personnel Planning and Resources Management 1994 and as Director General Maritime Development 1995.

He was appointed Chief of Staff Operations, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia, from 1997 to 2000.