In what year did Seabees begin to deploy to Antarctica?

The correct year when Seabees began to deploy to Antarctica is 1955. This deployment was part of the United States' commitment to the International Geophysical Year (IGY), which ran from July 1957 to December 1958. In preparation for this significant scientific endeavor, the Seabees were tasked with constructing essential facilities and infrastructure in Antarctica, which included building research stations that would support various scientific missions. Their work was crucial in establishing a presence in the region, enabling extensive research on topics ranging from climate science to geology. The deployment not only reflected the military's role in supporting scientific exploration but also illustrated the logistical capabilities of the Seabees in extreme environments.

In contrast, deployments occurring in the years stated in the other options were not related to Antarctic operations, making 1955 the pivotal year for Seabees’ involvement in this unique and challenging environment.